Shirley Bixler Obituary

Shirley Murphy Bixler

Mar 5, 1934 - Jun 18, 2022

Formerly of Sandusky

Shirley Murphy Bixler, 88, of Delaware, Ohio (formerly of Sandusky) died June 18, 2022, after living a very full and rewarding life.

Born March 5, 1934, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and raised in Toronto, Ohio, Shirley was the first child of Edna (nee Robertson) and Thomas Murphy. She became a big sister 8 years later when her brother, Tom, was born. Growing up, Shirley especially enjoyed her summers swimming and fishing at the family cottage her father built at Guilford Lake near Lisbon, Ohio. Special memories continued to be made lakeside until years later when Shirley would bring her future husband and children for extended visits to the cottage.

From a young age, Shirley was an eager learner and convinced her father to "alter" her birth certificate to enroll her in kindergarten a year early. Ironically, Shirley's love for learning ultimately led her to a career in public education. After graduating summa cum laude from Toronto High School in 1951, Shirley attended Muskingum College where she graduated with honors, earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, and met Vernon (Ned) Bixler whom she married on June 16, 1956.

The newlyweds began their life together in Sharon Center, Ohio where Shirley taught at Sharon Elementary School and Ned began his ministry as pastor of Sharon Center United Methodist Church. They welcomed their first son, Thomas Lorin, in 1959, followed by David Ned in 1961.

After relocating to Chesterland, Ohio for 6 years, the Bixlers spent the next four decades in Sandusky, Ohio where Shirley taught fifth grade in the Perkins School District and Ned continued his ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Shirley and Ned had a passion for travel. As young parents, they took extended family vacations each summer traveling cross country in their beloved Airstream trailer. After retiring, they continued venturing across the United States and Europe, however, Disney World and a yearly visit to Duck, North Carolina with her sons and grandchildren were among Shirley's favorite vacations.

Known by many as a "Roller Coaster Queen", Shirley was always ready to take on the newest thrill ride at Cedar Point. She loved to read, listen to classical music, watch Hallmark movies, and offer driving advice to Ned on every road trip. For Shirley, Christmas was a year-round quest for the perfect gifts, decorations, and "apple" wrapping paper. While she admittedly hated to cook, she always set the most beautiful table for holiday family meals, strongly objecting to soda cans and ketchup bottles that tarnished the perfection of each place setting.

Shirley leaves her family with wonderful memories of her handcrafted Christmas village, money-saving tips to stretch a budget, elaborate Easter egg hunts, roller coaster rides, day trips to Cedar Point, bedtime stories in the "Mickey" room, and her never-ending love and pride.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Rev. V. Ned Bixler, and her brother, Tom Murphy. Celebrating her life are her two sons, Tom (Jill) and Dave (Lynee), four grandchildren Andy, Greg (Alexandra), Ian, and Maggie, and great-granddaughter, Morgan.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday July 6, at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 214 East Jefferson Street, Sandusky, Ohio. Friends may call from 10:00 am until the time of the service. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirley's memory to Trinity United Methodist Church or Meadowlawn Intermediate School, 1313 E. Strub Road, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.