Shirley Ann Westlake, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 24, 2011 at Life Line Hospital, Wintersville.

She is survived by her sister Jackie LaRue and her husband Raymond of Steubenville; her brother David Vayda and his wife Marie of Yardley, PA; and Aunt Margaret Johnstonbaugh of Gibsonia, PA.

Her daughters include Sharon Ice and her friend Jim McElreath of Wellsville, Rena Bennett and her husband Rick of South Carolina and Marie Westlake and her friend James of Steubenville.

Her sons are Steve Westlake and his wife Wendy of Steubenville, Rob Westlake and his wife Amy of Steubenville, and Ryan Westlake, who is currently serving in the Army National Guard in Afghanistan.

Her grandchildren are many. They are Sharon’s children, James Ice, Aaron Ice, and Annette Ice, Steve and Wendy’s sons, Caleb Westlake, Evan Westlake, and Tanner Westlake, Rob and Amy’s children, Hanna and Jon Westlake, and Rena and Rick’s children, Erica and Tristen.

She also has seven great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father Albert J. Vayda and her mother Blanche M. Vayda, both of Uniontown, PA., her brother Albert J. Vayda of Trenton, NJ., and her sister Hazel M. Pierre of Hamilton, NJ.

She also lost the love of her life in 1994 when her husband of 37 years, Robert V. Westlake passed away. During their time together they dedicated a large part of their lives to foster parenting. Their devotion to these children was unparalleled, having well over 50 children, many which were special needs children. They culminated this time in their lives with the adoption of three of these children. At one point they were recognized with the distinction of “Foster Parents of The Year” for Jefferson County, a well deserved honor.

Shirley was also very dedicated to her work with the “Busy Needles Mission Group” at Bell Chapel. They provide much needed infant items for Trinity West and Prayer Blankets for Valley and Charity Hospices.

Shirley was a veteran of the United States Navy and has always remained proud of this fact. She is an ardent supporter of the V.F.W. and always expressed her gratitude to those who choose to serve our country.

You will be missed Mom, and our comfort is that you are no longer in pain, and you are now back together with Dad. God Bless You.

Friends will be received at the Everhart-Bove Funeral Home, 685 Canton Rd., Wintersville on December 29, Thursday from 5-8 PM. Visitation will be on Friday at Bell Chapel United Methodist Church, 3419 State Route 213, Steubenville from 10 until time of funeral services at 11 AM with Pastor Bill Hibbs officiating.

Send condolences online at www.everhart-bovefuneralhomes.com.