Shirley Lou (Richardson) Croston

Shirley L. Croston, 86, of Navarre, passed away quietly, Thursday afternoon, February 9, 2023.  Born in Tuscarawas Township, October 8, 1936, a daughter to the late Joseph A. and Lillian M. (Kinsey) Richardson, Sr., Shirley graduated from Massillon Washington High School with the Class of 1954, and had been an area resident her entire life.  For most of her adulthood Shirley was a single parent, rearing her two boys and later, her daughter, toward becoming responsible, caring, productive adults themselves.  Her family meant everything to her and everything she did, she did for them.  A loving and supportive mom, she could also be hard as nails when the situation demanded.  A source of pure energy, she was no stranger to hard work; she stayed focused on the task at hand and got things done.  And she was absolutely fearless: always learning, always teaching, and willing to try anything at least once.  Her work resume included time spent in the offices of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, at the former Hoover Company, and with the J.C. Penny store at the former Mellet and Canton Centre Mall.  A member of Eden Church of the Brethren in Canton, Shirley remained strong in her Christian faith and in her commitment to her faith community throughout her life.

Predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Paul and Joseph Richardson, Jr.; her husband, Samuel L. “Leon” Croston; and a granddaughter, Briel Thompson; Shirley is survived by her children, Doug (Helen) Barner, of Massillon, Jon (Mary) Barner, of Beach City and Stacy (David) Thompson, of Navarre;  Also surviving are a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, her sister-in-law, Lucy Schmucker, and many treasured friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Navarre.  Pastor Wayne Scott will officiate, and burial will follow in Union Lawn Cemetery.  The family will receive condolences on Wednesday evening, February 15, from 5-7:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning, from 10-10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.  

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