MANSFIELD – With a gentle grace and a life anchored in faith, Shirley Ann Roberts passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 21, 2025. She was 89.
A lifelong resident of Mansfield, Shirley was born August 3, 1936, to Frank and Alice (Sauder) Graszl. Her roots ran deep in her beloved hometown. She attended Mansfield City Schools through her junior year and graduated from Madison High School, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen!
A faithful member of the Apostolic Church on Illinois Avenue, Shirley’s devotion to the Lord was not just practiced on Sundays—it was lived daily in her words, her work, and the many ways she loved those around her.
For 19 years, she worked third shift in Emergency Room Registration at MedCentral Hospital in Mansfield. Demanding and unpredictable, Shirley met her work with poise, compassion that brought comfort to those in crisis. She retired at the age of 75.
Known affectionately by many as “Grandma Sugar,” Shirley had a gift for making a house a home. Her kitchen table was a place of community, often including a fresh dessert and the smell of meals recently baking in the oven. She cooked with joy and rarely let a visitor leave hungry—or unloved.
Shirley lived out the words of Matthew 22:39: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Her home was a safe space—not only for her children and grandchildren, but for anyone who needed a place to rest. She opened her doors offering comfort and care without hesitation. Whether it was a warm bed, a home-cooked meal, or a listening ear, Shirley’s hospitality was unmatched.
She loved to garden, filling her landscaping with flowers and preserving vegetables from her harvest. A fair enthusiast, she once took home an astonishing 52 ribbons from the Bellville Street Fair in a single year—her creativity evident in every jar and baked good.
An adventurer at heart, Shirley embraced life with curiosity and courage. Even into her 70s, she did not miss the chance to deep sea fishing in North Carolina—where she brought in the largest tuna of the day!
Yet above all else, Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She was deeply devoted to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren—cheering from the sidelines at ballgames, applauding school plays, and offering encouragement and guidance. Her love was both fierce and gentle.
Shirley is survived by her children Cindy Harter, and sons Tom (Cris) Roberts and Jerry (Brenda) Roberts; grandchildren Rochelle (Chris) Hollar, Kelsi (Alan) Noel, Alex (Sam) Roberts, and Max (Madi) Roberts; 6 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandson; brother Tom Graszl; sister-in-law Ruth Ann Graszl; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers Frank Graszl Jr., and Dick Graszl; and sister-in-law Marty Graszl.
Shirley’s family will receive friends Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 3-7 pm in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Homes where her funeral service will be held Friday at 11 am. Officiant Mark Masters will speak. Burial will follow in Lantz Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made by visiting:SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com