Obituary of Shirley Ann Nuzum Gates

It is with great sadness that the family of Shirley Ann Nuzum Gates announce her passing. Shirley, age 85, of Cranberry Twp., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born in Fairmont, WV, and was the daughter of the late Brooks Edward Nuzum and Anna Josephine Merrifield Nuzum.

Shirley was an exceptional seamstress, making her children’s clothing by hand for many years, as well as many alterations for all of the family. She enjoyed crocheting, needle point, various crafts and flower arranging. She made many friend’s weddings extra special with her beautiful flower arrangements. She also personally made all the floral arrangements for both of her daughter’s weddings, as well as the arrangements for her married grandchildren. 

However, her greatest joy by far was spending time with her family. She will be sorely missed at every family event, as she would diligently spend extra time preparing and baking her signature dishes for every gathering. Seeing her spend time with her great-grandchildren would truly light up a room and provide plenty of smiles and contagious laughter.

Shirley was her family’s source of strength and endless love. She was an inspiration to many, while having a great sense of humor and quick wit. While battling many health concerns, she displayed a strength and spirit that was truly unimaginable!

She will be greatly missed by her children, Steven B. Keener of Ellwood City, Melissa Ann (Gerard/Gerry) Pindroh of Cranberry Twp., and Melinda Jo (Bruce) Matthews of Harmony. She also leaves behind to cherish her memory her seven grandchildren, Kelly Keener, Steven (Renee) Keener, Cory (Lindsey) Gates Pindroh, Andrew Scott Pindroh, Devin Brooks Pindroh, Daria Anna Pindroh, Brandon Edward Matthews and Jessica Leigh (Victor) Kennedy.

Her memory will be forever etched into the hearts of her great-grandchildren, Tavia, Justice and Zadok Keener, as well as Anthony Billotti and Kaia Dawn Kennedy.

She will also be lovingly remembered by several devoted, compassionate, and loving sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Jay Gates, who passed in April of 2006; her son, Michael B. Keener, and her brother, Brooks E. Nuzum Jr.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held in her honor on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. at the Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, WV 26554, with Rev. Jim Zinn, officiating. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.FORDFUNERALHOMES.com.