Shirley Ann Ralston Bemiss, 83, of North East, Pennsylvania, beloved wife, and mother to four children, passed away on June 30th 2024, leaving behind a lifetime of memories that her loving family will cherish forever.

 

Shirley was born in North East, Pennsylvania in 1940, to Edward Stanley Ralston and Rosaline Wilhelmina (Holly) Ralston. Her father was a science teacher and football coach at North East High School and her mother was a school teacher for more than 22 years in the North East School District. Shirley Ann was the middle of three daughters. She attended North East Schools, where she was honored as Cadet Captain, and the reigning Cherry Queen of the North East Firemen’s Cherry Festival in 1958.

 

Shirley attended Grove City College, where she graduated in three years with a degree in Business Education in 1961.

In 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Norman William Bemiss, and together they raised four children: Ann Elizabeth Bemiss Neumann of Akron, OH; Roy William Bemiss of North East, PA; Susan Lori Bemiss Huff of North East, PA; and Holly Joanne Bemiss of Brooklyn, NY.

 

Shirley was a devoted wife to Norman, and mother to Ann, Roy, Susan, and Holly-her pride and joy- and they felt that in the love and support she provided.

 

Shirley was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of North East, PA. She joined The Daughters of the American Revolution as a junior member in 1975, and served various positions over 48 years of membership, where she remains a Chapter Honorary Regent. As a genealogy consultant, she spent countless hours researching her family's history and she was passionate about American history too.

 

In addition to raising her family and keeping her home, she worked at Peak n’ Peek Resort in Clymer, NY, where she was an Events Planner for several years.

 

Shirley had great talent for cooking, canning, gardening, and sewing. She could not only stitch any ripped knee or patch any letterman jacket for her children, she also sewed clothing. In addition, Shirley made beautiful, intricate blankets and heirloom quilts that her family will cherish forever.

 

Later in life, Shirley was blessed to spend winters in Bonita Springs, FL, where she and Norman enjoyed the community at America Outdoors. Shirley also spent many summer days on the waters of Lake Erie with Norman where they kept cottages in Orchard Beach, North East, PA and in Port Clinton, OH. He was captain of their boat and she his best first mate. Shirley would somedays spend a morning casually out- fishing everyone, the afternoon frying it up for the whole family, and the evening enjoying a glass of local wine while watching the sunset over Lake Erie. She was known and revered for her inspirational words of wisdom that she’d impart to her family often. Among the favorites “Go with the flow” and “Keep smiling”.

 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Susan (Ralston) Neil. She is survived by her sister Rhonda (Ralston) Page; her husband, Norman; their four children and their families, including nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They include daughter Ann Neumann, and her sons, Dr. Eric Neumann (Besmira), of Richfield, OH, and Alexander Neumann (Emily), of Cleveland, OH; son, Roy Bemiss, his wife Heidi Bemiss, and their children, Shauna Niedzielski of Erie, PA, Tessa Bemiss and Brayden Bemiss, of North East, PA, and Shauna’s daughter, Madison Downes; daughter Susan Huff, her husband John Huff, and their children, Megan (Huff) Ropiecki (Brian), and Jacob Huff (Dr. Brianna) of North East, PA; daughter Holly Bemiss, her wife Erin Bried, and their children Eleanor Rose Bemiss- Bried, and Beatrice Hollis Bemiss-Bried, of Brooklyn NY.

 

Her family will never forget the love she brought to their lives. They request that if you are lucky enough to see a beautiful sunset over Lake Erie, you take a moment to enjoy it and raise a glass in Shirley’s memory.

 

A celebration of life will be held later this summer. A special thanks to Community Nurses/Hospice and Concetta Piazza for their constant support and care. Donations to Community Nurses Hospice of North East, PA (https://www.northeastnurses.com/financial-support/donations) are appreciated. 

 

 Funeral arrangements are under the care of the W. Tad Bowers Funeral Home, 92 S. Lake St., North East, PA. To send condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneralhome.com.