Shirley Rich

Shirley Marie (Smith) Rich died peacefully and went to her heavenly home on October 22, 2020.  She was 92.  She was born October 17, 1928 in Mineral Springs and was the the daughter of Jesse Kromer Smith and Hazel Mae (Deyo) Smith.

Shirley was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Paul, brothers-in-law Ted Rich, Wilson Young and Walt Aker, sisters-in-law Ruthie Rich and Josephine Aker, nephew John Rich and son-in-law Richard Tanner.

She is survived by daughters Paulette Marie (James) VanGiesen of Smithville Flats NY, Christine Ann (Joseph) Yourno of Middleburgh NY and Cheryl Louise Rich of Oneonta NY; a sister Marion Iva Young of Delmar NY; grandson Scott Paul VanGiesen and his wife Valorie Rose VanGiesen Titus of Tunkhannock PA and great granddaughter Keziah Teal VanGiesen.  Three nieces and two nephews and their extended families also survive.

Shirley attended Cobleskill Central School and graduated in 1947.She worked at Weitzman’s (Olsen’s) Department Store in Cobleskill before her marriage on January 1, 1949 to Paul Clinton Rich of Gardnersville.  They were together for 63 years until his death in 2012. Shirley and Paul operated a dairy farm together and were hard workers and good people. When her girls were older Shirley worked at Howe Caverns. Shirley’s family meant everything to her.  She will be missed by those who remember her gentle ways and warm smiles and strong faith.

Arrangements are by the Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home in Cobleskill NY.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family conducted by Rev. Paul Ferenczy, Lawyersville Reformed Church, 109 Phillip Schuyler Road, Cobleskill NY 12043.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s name may be made to the church at PO Box 421 Cobleskill, NY.   Please share a memory and extend your condolences at merenessputnamfuneralhome.com.