Shirley Anne Wemyss

Shirley Anne Wemyss, of Kent died May 2, 2018 after a three year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 81. Mrs. Wemyss was born in Salem, Ohio on June 28, 1936 to Clara and L. Victor Kenreich.

She grew up in Rootstown and married James W. Wemyss in 1957, thus beginning 58 happy and loyal years of marriage. Mrs. Wemyss earned a teaching degree from Kent State University in 1963. She spent over 20 years as a teacher, first in Rootstown and later as a special education teacher at Walls Elementary School in Kent. A vocal advocate for students with special needs, Mrs. Wemyss helped to ensure that all of her students had an equal opportunity to learn. She was a highly involved member of Faith Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and worked on many boards and committees. She and her husband were awarded the Faith Lutheran Church Faithful Service award in 1999. She also enjoyed volunteering her time at Robinson Memorial Hospital in the ER where she was a compassionate influence for people during stressful times. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, who constantly blessed her family with love, life lessons, and baked goods.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Jim. She is survived by her children, Barry Wemyss (Cecilia), Beverly O'Connor (Cal), and Bruce Wemyss (Danielle); her grandchildren, Andrew Wemyss (Amanda), Julianne Rickard (Patrick), Daniel Rickard, Alex Wemyss, Megan Wemyss, and Rachel Wemyss; great-granddaughter Aubrey; brother Kenneth Kenreich; and sister Eloise Danner. Cremation has taken place.

She will be memorialized on Monday, May 7 at Faith Lutheran Church, 931 East Main St. Kent. The family will greet friends at 10:00 a.m., followed immediately by the service at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.