Shirley June (Loughlin) Elliott, age 87, of East Coventry, PA, was taken home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 20, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 11, 1931, in Bridgeport, PA, she was the daughter of the late Russell W. and Gertrude (Rowland) Loughlin, and grew up and was educated in Norristown, PA. Shirley was the cherished wife of Ronald F. Elliott for 66 years.
After graduating from Norristown High School in 1949, and then completing Norristown Business School, she worked as a transcriptionist at Norristown State Hospital. Following her marriage in 1952, she became a farm wife and devoted mother. She and her husband spent their entire marriage caring for their ancestral property, Historic Old Home Farm. As her children became older, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a writer, first as a correspondent and eventually the editor of The Springford Reporter, where she had a large following of her weekly editorial columns. She frequently wrote about growing up during the Great Depression in a large family as well as her experiences as a wife and mother of five. Many readers who never met her felt they knew her well. A devoted member of Parker Ford Church (PFC) of the Brethren, Shirley was a choir director, Sunday School teacher, and Deacon. She was active in several Christian motorcycle groups. She loved to travel with her husband in their motorhome, going throughout the US, Mexico, and Canada. In later years, she and Ronald wintered in Lake Placid FL, where they have many community and church friends. Though she and her husband were fortunate to travel to Europe, the Holy Lands, and Hawaii, her favorite vacation was to any sandy beach with her family.
In addition to her husband Ronald, she is survived by children Nancy (George)Elliott-Carter, Christian(Deloris Heisey), Kurt(the late Denise Haring)Elliott, Amy (Curtis) Sandberg, and Mark (Becky Trumbauer) Elliott, siblings Gertrude (Loughlin) Mathias and Betty (Loughlin) Nuttall, and Lewis Loughlin. She was adored by her fourteen grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren. Shirley is also survived by three sister-in-laws and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by siblings Joan and Donald Loughlin, Phyllis Ann(Loughlin) Ferreri, Dr. Richard Loughlin, and Russell H. Loughlin.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing on Sunday, January 27, 2019, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, at PFC, 20 Rinehart Rd, Pottstown, PA, 19465. A Memorial Service will immediately follow. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the PFC Scholarship Fund, 20 Rinehart Rd, Pottstown, P, 19465. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.RoyersfordFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Catternole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Royersford,