Shirley Ruth (Kimmey) Lux, 77, of Washington Court House and Fayette County, Ohio died Tuesday, June 25, 2024, after a brief illness.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 50 years, Joe R. Lux; children, Brian D. Lux (Maggie) and the Rev. Holly Anne Lux-Sullivan (Kevin Sullivan); treasured grandson, Andrew; nephew, Rick Kimmey (Pam); her circle of retired-teacher friends; her dog, Olaf and countless others whose lives she enriched with her kindness, humor, and wisdom.
She was born April 27, 1947, in Washington Court House, Ohio of Delbert Rowe and Vera Louise Glass Kimmey, both deceased. She grew up in Staunton with her older brother, Bob, also deceased. She was the co-valedictorian of Miami Trace High School’s Class of 1965. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in education and later earned her master’s degree. At a time when female doctors were the exception rather than the norm, Shirley delighted in saying she wanted to earn her doctorate so she and Joe could be introduced as “Dr. and Mr. Lux.”
A beloved teacher for decades, Shirley taught at Miami Trace High School, as well as teaching night classes in ESL and GED prep for adults. Shirley’s mix of whimsy and brains was unparalleled, and she lived with a sense of wonder and joy her family and friends marveled at. She loved puzzles and word games and was a prolific maker of beaded jewelry. In her final years, when asked how she was, her answer was usually, “Fabu-Lux!”
Shirley’s love of dogs was evidence of her generous spirit. She adored them indiscriminately, not limiting herself to a particular breed or size: If it was a dog, Shirley loved it. The litany of dogs who shared her home is long, beginning with her beloved poodle, Suzie in childhood and ending with Olaf, who already misses her.
Shirley could play naïve with the best of them, but only until she’d made you hoist yourself by your own petard. Her always-innocent expression was a thin façade that hid her wicked intellect and ornery sense of humor. Even in her last days, she was suggesting pranks to play on her unsuspecting children-in-law.
A celebration of life will be held later.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.
www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com
