Shirley H. Troyer

Shirley Holaway Troyer, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, was born near Nappanee on February 23, 1917, to Clarence (CJ) and Ella (Mullet) Holaway. She was the eldest of eight children. She graduated from Nappanee High School, Goshen College and the University of Colorado.

She began her teaching career in a one room school at 19 and continued to teach for over 30 years as well as pursue higher education including a master’s degree and a school librarian certification. In 1942 she married Francis Troyer of Shipshewana. He preceded her in death. Both Shirley and Francis taught many years in the Elkhart School System.

She is survived by her sisters, Virginia Skiles and Rachel (Leon) Garot; her brother, Lamar Holaway; children, Kristin Ems (Willie), Ingrid Eash (Glen), Eric Troyer, and Yvonne Troyer; her grandchildren, Jessica Lehman, Matt Eash, Susan Lehman, Asia Troyer, Carter Eash, Gretchen Lehman, Lindsay Shannon, and Lauren Troyer; and 14 great-grand children.

A dedicated teacher for many years, Shirley also enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, quilting, drawing or painting, singing, growing her garden and ‘putting up’ for the winter. She passed on her interests, knowledge and skills to her children and grandchildren as well as to many friends and students she served. In later years her vision failed her but she continued to enjoy recorded books and classical music.

She was a member of Prairie Street Mennonite Church in Elkhart for many years and served there in several roles.  In recent years she lived in Harrison County to be close to family support.  Memorial gifts may be made to the Shirley Holaway Troyer Scholarship Fund at Goshen College, Goshen, IN. 46526

Visitation will be Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Prairie Street Mennonite Church, Elkhart, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.