Shirley Mae WOOLHEATER

Shirley Mae WOOLHEATER

Female 1922 - 2011  (88 years)

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  • Name Shirley Mae WOOLHEATER  [1
    • Shirley Mae Woolheater Bouton
      HALCOTT CENTER _ Shirley Mae Woolheater Bouton, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family.
      On or about Sept. 11, 1922, a baby girl was found on the roof of an apartment building on the Upper West Side of New York City. The baby was taken to Bellevue Hospital, given the name 'Susan' and put up for adoption through The Sophia Fund, a NYC Adoption Agency. At the same time, Wilbur and Mary Woolheater of Delaware County were grieving the loss of their infant daughter, Madeline, who had only lived 12 hours. Wilbur journeyed to New York City in hopes of finding a baby to adopt. It was there that he was presented with the baby girl who had been found on the rooftop.
      On Sept. 22, 1922, 'Susan' became Shirley Mae and she was brought home by train from New York City to Fleischmanns.
      Shirley attended Clovesville School through eighth grade. She attended Roxbury High School and graduated at age 15.
      Through the years, Shirley had several jobs that all involved hard work including milking cows, doing laundry, being a waitress, hanging wallpaper, and working at boarding houses.
      During World War II, Shirley worked at Maye's Mill in Fleischmanns. It was the first time the mill hired women.
      On May 17, 1940, Shirley came to Halcott Center, where she met Donald Bouton. They were married on May 17, 1945.
      Halcott Center would be the Bouton's permanent home where they had a dairy farm for 14 years and raised Herefords for 12 years after that. Shirley worked for the Town of Halcott serving as school director for one term, Deputy Town Clerk for 20 years and Town Supervisor for 9 ? years. While she was Supervisor, Shirley was responsible for pioneering several community programs one of which included transportation for seniors. Prior to that program she helped by taking her neighbors to their doctor appointments in the family's 49' Chevy. She persuaded the Meals-on-Wheels folks to service the Valley. Although they would only come as far as the Greene Co. Line, she would meet the meals at the county line and get them delivered. Shirley was a member of the Halcott United Methodist Church, and the Halcott Ladies Aid. Shirley was a member of the Greene Valley Grange #881, and was at one time, lecturer for Pamona Grange. She served as Grange Chaplain, and as an annual delegate to the NYS Grange where she was instrumental in forging a grass roots effort to map-out fire numbers for the homes long before it caught on. She was also a member of the National Grange. Although Shirley was active in community service, she refused to
      'play politics'. Shirley was endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans and always registered as an Independent.
      Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Wilbur and Mary Rose Woolheater, a sister Madeline, and a brother Robert.
      Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Donald W. Bouton; a son Dennis and his wife Jennifer Bouton of Halcott Center; a daughter Mary (Bouton) Konstantine and her husband Philip of Oneonta,; Grandchildren: Jamie (Bouton) Volger and her husband Mark of Margaretville, Lucas and Marshall Bouton of Halcott Center, and Jenna Mae and Sophia Rose Konstantine of Oneonta; several nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
      Shirley was an excellent seamstress, making clothes for several members. She also knitted many sweaters and mittens. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Shirley loved the color red, Cardinals and Black-Eyed Susans. During her later years in life, she found much joy in watching the birds, appreciating the changing colors of the seasons and marveling at beautiful sunsets.
      Shirley had a strong faith that was her comfort and strength throughout her life, which included years of cancer. She spent much of her time praying for others. Never fearing death, she often said that when the Lord was ready, she was ready. She will be remembered for her keen sense of humor, being an excellent listener and her refusal to hold a grudge.
      Although Shirley loved flowers, she was saddened when she saw flowers 'left over' after a funeral. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Halcott Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, or plant a Black-eyed Susan in her memory, enjoy it, and remember Shirley, an inspiring woman who was thankful for every day.
      The Service to Celebrate the Life of Shirley Will be held on Tuesday at 11 am at the Halcott Methodist Church, with Peg VanSiclen as celebrant. Spring interment will be in the Halcott Cemetery. Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the E.B.Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia. To light a memorial candle or leave the Bouton Family a message, visit www.gormleyfuneralhome.com [1]
    Birth 22 Sep 1922  [1
    Gender Female 
    Death 28 Jan 2011  [2
    Burial Halcott Cemetery, Halcott Center, Greene Co., New York Find all individuals with events at this location  [2
    Person ID I91361  Main Tree
    Last Modified 22 Jun 2018 

    Family Donald W. BOUTON,   b. 21 May 1920, Halcott Center, Greene Co., New York Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 5 Aug 2011 (Age 91 years) 
    Marriage 17 May 1945  [1
    Family ID F38131  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 22 Jun 2018 

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBurial - - Halcott Cemetery, Halcott Center, Greene Co., New York Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 

  • Headstones
    Donald W. Bouton and Shirley Mae Woolheater Headstone
    Donald W. Bouton and Shirley Mae Woolheater Headstone
    Donald W., the son of Marshall Bouton and Ella Slauson, and his wife, Shirley Mae Woolheater, are buried in the Halcott Cemetery in Halcott Center, Greene Co., New York.

    Created by: Gary Boughton
    Photo added by: Gary Boughton


  • Sources 
    1. [S9725] Find A Grave: Obituary Notice for Shirley Mae Woolheater Bouton.

    2. [S02329] Find A Grave Website.