She was born January 13, 1934, in Punxsutawney, PA, the daughter of the late Mildred and Leroy Bowser. Shirley was the oldest of three siblings. On January 20, 1955, she married Richard VanBuren, who preceded her in death on December 6, 1992. Both Shirley and Richard were active members of the First United Methodist Church on East North Street in Butler, PA.
Shirley graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University, then with a master’s degree from Duquesne University, where she studied Library Science. She was employed by the Butler Area School District as an elementary school librarian for more than 20 years.
Shirley is survived by her children, Rick (Jan) VanBuren of New Castle, PA, Linda (Steve) Kubiak of Amherst, NH, and Sally (Chris) Wallace of North Potomac, MD; as well as her sister, Helen (Bob) Kalan of Mars, PA. Shirley also leaves behind seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, and her sister Dorothy Bowser.
At the request of the family, all arrangements for Shirley VanBuren will be kept private.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 East North St., Butler, PA.