ARTHER

SHIRLEY (MERTZ)

Age 91, of Mt. Lebanon, on Wednesday July 23, 2025, after a long and valiant fight against the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. Her family is thankful for the staff of Providence Point and Gallagher Hospice, as well as Dr. Natalie Furlong and Teri Meyer for their dedicated, patient and thoughtful care.

Shirley was born on June 14, 1934, at Magee Women's Hospital, the cherished daughter of Edna Richards and Charles E. Mertz. She grew up in Beechview, surrounded by a warm and faithful family. Following graduation from South Hills High school, Shirley attended Allegheny College, where she created many life-long friendships, especially with fellow members of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Shirley graduated summa cum laude from Allegheny in June 1956, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

It was across the bridge table at Allegheny, where Shirley met her future husband, Charles Theodore "Ted" Arther. The couple married soon after Shirley's graduation, beginning their 55 years of marriage on Webb AFB in Big Springs, Texas, followed by Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas and Warner Robins AFB in Robins, Georgia. Eventually, Ted retired his pilot wings, and Shirley happily trailed their young family alongside his steel industry career, living in Manhattan, San Francisco and Buffalo, before returning to her hometown in December 1970.

Always a Pittsburgher at heart, Shirley enthusiastically supported the Pirates, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Phipps Conservatory, where she served on the board. She actively volunteered with the Junior League, the South Hills High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund and the prayer circle at Christ United Methodist Church. A world traveler, her favorite places included Van Buren Bay on Lake Erie, where she spent her childhood summers and Chautauqua Lake, where she spent her adult summers.

Shirley enjoyed sharing time with her many friends, especially her monthly gourmet group and her Twentieth Century Club Monday group. Affectionately called "Honey" by her grandchildren, they fondly remember sing-alongs around her piano. A classic, true to her era, elegant, gracious and kind, her handbag and shoes undoubtedly matched. Forever reminding her family to "put a smile on your face and stand up straight." Shirley will be greatly missed.

Her husband, Ted, predeceased Shirley in 2012. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Dan) Wilson of Sewickley; her son, Ted (Tana) of Fort Collins, Colorado; her grandsons, Eric Arther, Jake Arther, Henry (Cristina Cortes) Wilson and Charles Wilson; her granddaughter, Grace (Hayden) Wolf, her great-grandson, Teddy Wolf; her brother, Ched (Rachel) Mertz of Upper St. Clair; and many loving nieces and nephews; as well as her dear friend, travel companion and gallant gentleman, Carl Schrock of Mt. Lebanon. Admittedly, falling in love again at age 85, brought a twinkle to Shirley's eyes and much joy to her heart!

A Celebration of Life is planned for October.

Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS, Dormont, 412-531-4000. Please view or add tributes at:

www.beinhauer.com