Annie Shifley had many gifts and worked diligently to improve the lives of animals and people.
She had the unique ability to touch many lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Anne Marie “Annie” Shifley, 34, of Madeira Beach, Florida, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
She was born Feb. 2, 1982 in Columbus, Ohio and was the daughter of Terry and Lee Anne (Ritchey) Shifley.
Annie had lived in Ohio, Florida and Minnesota. She grew up in Apple Valley, Minnesota and graduated in the top 20 of her class at Eastview High School. Annie graduated with honors from The University of Minnesota with two degrees, Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a degree in Laboratory Technology.
She was employed at the Bay Pines VA Health Care in Bay Pines, Florida.
Though she was born in Ohio, Annie was proud of her home state of Minnesota and always rooted for her Golden Gophers. Annie loved animals, especially horses, playing softball and pottery. Recently she enjoyed spending time exploring on the water in a kayak or sailboat and taking photographs of birds, wildlife and seascapes. But most of all, Annie loved spending time with all of her family and friends. Keeping in touch was important to Annie. She always made time to travel or go out of her way to stay in contact with those she cared for, even from great distances.
Annie is survived by her parents, Terry and Lee Anne Shifley, of Summerville, South Carolina; her brother Hal Shifley. of Minneapolis, Minnesota; maternal grandparents Dan and Ruth Ritchey; paternal grandparent Maxine Shifley, all of Galion, Ohio; aunts; uncles; cousins; extended family and many friends.
She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Herbert H. Shifley.
A memorial service celebrating her life and homecoming will be held Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 at First United Church of Christ, 248 Harding Way West, Galion, Ohio, 44833 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Darrin Harvey officiating. There will be an hour of visitation prior to the memorial service starting at 1 p.m. and continuing until the time of service. A reception will be held at the church following the service.
A Minnesota gathering for Annie’s family and friends has been scheduled on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Davanni’s Meeting Room, 5124 Gus Young Lane, Edina, Minnesota 55436.
In lieu of flowers, Annie’s family is requesting that memorial contributions may be made in honor of Annie’s life to any one of the following programs at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System:
Equine Therapy for the Community Living Center – Assisted Living Home, Fisher House or the Veterans Homeless Program.
Please make your check payable to the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, P.O. Box 5005 (135) 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. Bay Pines, Florida 33744 and include Annie’s name and program of support in the memo line.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Annie Shifley, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
