Gail E. Shively

 In His infinite wisdom, the Almighty God has called Gail Shively, 80, of Sidney, OH to His heavenly home.  She passed away Sunday, May 22, 2022 at Ohio Living Dorothy Love.  She was born August 29, 1941 in Cleveland, OH, the daughter of Harold and Helene (née Ristau) Dreger.  She was preceded in death by her parents and sister.

Gail graduated from Cuyahoga Heights City Schools in 1959, and pursued a degree in mathematics with minors in general science and Spanish from Heidelberg University.  After graduation in 1963, Gail entered the world of education providing decades of math, pre-algebra, and algebra instruction to thousands of students until her retirement in 1998.  She was loved and admired by many of her students from Strongsville, Tiffin, Hopewell-Loudon, and Sidney, and enjoyed teaching a second generation of students who passed through her classes.

Gail served in many roles over the years in the Sidney Education Association and for the Bridgeview Middle School teachers.  In her retirement, she was a member of the Shelby County Retired Teachers Association.  Gail enjoyed serving her church and the community.  As a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, she was an active participant in both the local church and regional synod.  Her faith was a strong part of her life, and she shared that spiritual giftedness through serving on church council, singing in choir, mentoring for Catechism, participating in women’s circle, and volunteering for vacation bible school.  Gail served on several organization boards and committees:  Shelby County Mental Health Clinic Board, Shelby County Crisis Hotline, Shelby County Special Olympics, and the Shelby County United Way Board.  She also held leadership roles for the Shelby County MRDD Board, Gateway Choral Society, and the American Association of University Women.

Gail is survived by her brother, Donald (Dianne) Dreger of Ravenna, OH; two children, Daniel (Jennifer) Shively of Westerville, OH and Darci Aselage of Sidney, OH; five beautiful granddaughters, Emili, Hannah, Abigail, Heidi, and Rebekah; and granddog, Norman.

 The family wishes to thank the incredibly dedicated staffs at Sidney Fresenius Kidney Care and Ohio Living Dorothy Love’s Assisted Living, Rehab, and Skilled Nursing departments for their compassionate care, support and teamwork these many years. The family also wishes to thank Ohio Valley Hospice for their support in Gail’s final days.

 Visitation will be Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Adams Funeral Home, 1401 Fair Road, Sidney, OH.  Funeral services will be at 11 AM on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 120 West Water Street, Sidney, OH with a viewing at 10 AM at the church.  Interment will be private for the family.

 Gail’s passion and dedication to the teaching profession were second to none, and she always supported and encouraged others who chose to pursue it.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Shelby County Retired Teachers Association for the Kent Smith Scholarship Fund to help award financial assistance to Shelby County students enrolled in an education major.  Online condolences may be made at www.theadamsfuneralhome.com.

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