Shirley A. Ames' Obituary
AMES, Shirley A., age 90, of Waynesville, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026, at Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties.
Shirley devoted more than 30 years of her life to education, retiring from Wayne Local Schools, where she taught both seventh and eighth grade Earth Science and Art. Teaching was far more than a career to Shirley—it was her calling. She genuinely loved her students and found great fulfillment in helping young people learn and grow. A lifelong learner herself, Shirley graduated from Harveysburg High School in 1954, earned her bachelor's degree from Miami University in Oxford, and later received her master's degree in education. One of her proudest accomplishments was becoming the first member of her family to attend college.
Shirley was a faithful member of Olive Branch Global Methodist Church in Oregonia. Earlier in life, she also served as a 4-H leader, mentoring young girls through sewing projects while encouraging creativity, confidence, and lifelong skills.
Independent, loyal, generous, outgoing, spirited, and always busy, Shirley embraced life with enthusiasm and determination. She grew up on her family's farm, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for farming, raising cattle, gardening, and hard work. She especially enjoyed tending vegetable gardens and preserving the harvest through canning. She also found great joy in sewing and cooking. As a young mother, she lovingly made many of her daughter's clothes by hand. Family and friends especially looked forward to her homemade sweet potato casserole, although she could seemingly prepare just about anything in the kitchen. One of her favorite simple pleasures was enjoying a chocolate malt from UDF.
Travel was another passion throughout Shirley's life. Among her favorite destinations were the Philippines and New Orleans, along with many other memorable places she visited over the years. In her younger years, she also enjoyed water skiing. Her family affectionately recalls that she disliked getting her hair wet, so Byron would gently pull her up on the skis and ease her back down into the water as carefully as possible—all in an effort to keep her hair dry.
Family was the center of Shirley's life. Following retirement, she cherished traveling with fellow retired teachers, creating lasting friendships and memories along the way. She also treasured gathering with loved ones for Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially at the family farm, and always looked forward to the annual Ames family reunion held around the pond on the old family farm. More than anything, she was most proud of her daughter, her family, her teaching career, and the educational opportunities she created for herself and future generations.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Byron Ames, in 1996; her parents, Francis and Lucille (McGowan) Plymire; and her brothers, Harley Plymire and Charles Plymire. She is survived by her daughter, Michele Ames (Jon Pagnozzi); her son, Edgar (Joy) Plenos; four grandchildren, Harper, Christo, Megan, and Carly; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and many former students whose lives she positively influenced.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A private family committal service and burial will be held at Miami Cemetery in Corwin. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to My Father's Kitchen at Sugartree Ministries in Wilmington or Ohio’s Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties. Condolences may be shared at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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