Shirley A. (Merkle) Luburgh

Shirley A. Luburgh, 77, of Zanesville, passed peacefully at The James Cancer Center January 20, 2022 with family by her side.

There aren’t enough words available to express this beautiful, indescribable woman. One thing we do know now: she’s an angel now in heaven, as she was here on earth.

To know her was to love her. A family loving, very involved, and active woman, she did it all. She was a flower and garden enthusiast, beach lover, enjoyed the campgrounds, always first to volunteer and an avid pickle ball player, to name a few. She was special to all she knew.

She was a PROUD mother, mimi and friend. She spent her spare time at some type of sporting event (she never missed a game), raising her “kids” and helping out wherever and whenever she could. She was a blessing in so many of our lives. 

Her winters were in New Smyrna Beach Florida, with her companion, John & summers at her favorite place with all the people she loved, Luburgh Lake. 

Survived by her three sons, Mark ( Jessica Lea) Luburgh, Matt ( Elyse) Luburgh, Curt ( Dee ) Luburgh.  

Her title “Mimi” was her favorite. Survived by grandchildren Clayton Luburgh, Paige Luburgh, Craig (Jess) Luburgh, Hanna (Josh Agin) Luburgh, Slade (Taylar) Luburgh, Kathleen ( Tristan) Rock, Cole Luburgh & Brock Luburgh. & her step grandchildren, Sydney & Harlie Erwin. We knew her heart was big and then she met her great grandchildren. Koen Moore, Knox & Kora Parks, Stella & Sylvie Luburgh, Navy & Jett Luburgh. Also survived by Cam & Carter Hennessy.

Also survived by, (in Mimi’s terms) her “boyfriend” of many decades, John Gutridge. Whom she traveled the country, was a “snow bird” to Florida, gardened with at the farm and always made sure they stayed VERY busy. They went on many adventurers together and where there was Shirley, there was John. She loved him and the Gutridge family deeply. Also survived by many beloved distant family members and cherished friends, she never met a stranger.

A graduate of ZHS in 1962. Outside of raising three sons and many grandchildren, she was a trainer at the Fieldhouse for years and a familiar face at Timber Run Gardens. A member of Grace United Methodist Church, she carried her faith as much as she carried her family.

She will be greatly missed by our family and  we can’t imagine a life without her in it. She made sure everyone she made contact with felt special. It was a trait like no other. She laughed often, loved the little things; and Mimi will forever be in our hearts. 

She was proceeded in death by her parents, William L. Merkle, Loretha “GG” Merkle, a brother, Billy D. Merkle and beloved granddaughter , Lisa R. Luburgh.

A cremation will take place under the direction of BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, with a Memorial Visitation to be held from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Eagle Sticks Golf Club, 2655 Maysville Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701 on Saturday, January 29, 2022, with a Celebration of Life service to held at 6:00 P.M.

To send a note of condolence, order flowers or comfort food, visit: www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at 740-452-4551.

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