Shirley Rhein

Shirley Mary Rhein, 87, of Cumru Township, died peacefully on November 27, 2022 at Reading Hospital.  She was the lifelong partner of John H. "Jack" Rhein who passed in 2020.  They shared more than 60 years together, both joyful and challenging times.

Born December 26, 1934, in West Reading, the daughter of the late Harry William and Edna Mary (Sell) Schlaybach and sister to the late Ronald Schlaybach.

Shirley was a 1952 graduate of Wilson High School and employed in the credit office of Croll & Keck, prior to marriage.  Once married, she concentrated on being an Army officer’s wife and mother.  After twenty years, Shirley and Jack retired from military service and moved to Shirley’s dream home at Ridge Run, Birdsboro, PA.

They became very active members of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shillington and served and enjoyed fellowship there for more than 45 years, building many strong and lasting friendships. 

Shirley is survived by her two children: John D. Rhein and his wife, Traci, of Chico, CA and Judy and her husband, Sam W. Johnson, Jr. of Fuquay-Varina, NC.

Also surviving are her four grandchildren: Tara M. (Rhein) with her husband Kevin Lappen; Jenna N. Rhein; Mollie A. (Johnson) and her husband, Kevin Chrisinger of Burke, VA and Sam W. Johnson, III and his fiancé, Brittany Albert; and three great grandchildren, Theodore, George, and Elizabeth Lappen.

Shirley will be privately interred alongside her husband at Indiantown Gap at a date to be scheduled.  A celebration of life is planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Habitat for Humanity, or the Salvation Army.   For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

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