Shirley Ann (Yeatman) Gandee-Mangus

My Candle
Like a candle in a window, Christ shines within my heart
With a glow so sweet and steady cheering all who have a part
Showing all who may be outside that the savior lives within,
I will burn my candle brightly to help other precious souls to win.
   -7 year old Shirley at Christmas church service

Shirley was born May 29th, 1936, to Roy and Marie Yeatman. She was 1 of 11 children born to the couple. Shirley loved her siblings fiercely and had an unbreakable bond with her last remaining sister, Janice.

Shirley met Tom Gandee while working at the dime store in 1952 and the two quickly fell in love and married. 7 children were born to the couple, 3 boys and 4 girls, Sharon, John, Cathy, Jean, Rhonda, Joe and Matt. Her children were her life; however, Shirley was no stranger to grief and lost one of her sons Joe, at the age of 2, her husband Tom, at the age of 41, and her son John, at the age of 39. Instead of allowing it to make her bitter, she leaned heavier into her faith and attended Gilead Friends Church for many years.

A second chance at love was given to Shirley when she met Jim Mangus. They married a bit later in life. They reveled in spending time outdoors and teaching their grandchildren about gardening and yard work, having multiple rows of plants and vegetables available to pick and can (or as an afternoon snack enjoyed in the summer sun). Their house was filled with jokes, laughter, boxing matches and The Young and the Restless. Jim passed away in 2012 and once again Shirley pulled closer to her faith in the Lord. Shirley loved her family all throughout her life. Her presence served as an example of loving servitude to her children and 12 grandchildren, Zack, Dylan, Megan, Josh, Kyle, Michelle, Heather, Dustin, Brett, Joree, Haley and Janelle. She was never without a story or a book nearby for her to indulge in when she sat down. Singing old hymns as she cleaned, she was always content to do what was needed without complaint. A pot of coffee was ready with an open seat at her table for anyone stopping by to visit at any time. Shirley was quick to whip up a sandwich for lunch or turkey and gravy during the holidays for her family. She embodied such love and joy in serving others it radiated warmth to anyone walking into her home.

Our Father planted Shirley Ann Gandee Mangus in his heavenly garden on January 1. He decided her beautiful soul was perfect for the empty spot he had been saving for her and we rejoice knowing she is there. A legacy is defined as something that is passed on or given to others and will last beyond one's lifetime. Shirley left a true legacy of love and faith in her wake. She is survived by her children: son Matt/Alisa Gandee, her daughters Jean Hornbeck, Sharon Hubbell, Cathy/Jon Ferguson, Rhonda/Jerry Justice, her sister Janice/Terry Hicks, 12 grandchildren-Megan/Jesse Duhlebon, Zack/Delta Gandee, Dylan/Makayla Gandee, Josh/Laura Sloan-Gandee, Kyle/Samantha Gandee, Michelle/Cody Casto, Heather/Dana Dicke, Dustin Hornbeck, Brett Hubbell, Joree Hubbell, Haley/Jake Lowery and Janelle Justice, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter. Special thank you to Bella Care Hospice and Lelah for their compassionate care during the final stages of Shirley's life.

Friends may call on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Gompf Funeral Service, 440 Center Street, Cardington, Ohio, 43315. The funeral service will directly follow at 1:00 PM. Following the service the burial will take place in Fulton Cemetery.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the family with Shirley's final wishes and condolences may be expressed at www.gompffh.com.