FRANKLIN
Shirley May Wessel, 82, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 at the Franklin United Methodist Community where she had lived since 2005.
Shirley was born June 21, 1932 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late James and Harriet (Wilson) Bradbury. On Jan. 3, 1953, she married Edwin Louis Wessel who preceded her in death.
Shirley graduated from Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati in 1950 and received a full tuition scholarship to attend Salmon P. Chase College earning an associates degree in Commerce. Upon graduation she worked for the FBI at their Cincinnati and St. Louis offices.
Shirley and her husband Ed were residents of Trafalgar, operating a 200-acre Angus cattle farm.
Shirley was active in her community as a member of the Trafalgar Homemakers Club and the Johnson County Beef Cattlemen Association. She was a poll worker for the Board of Elections and volunteered at the Johnson Memorial Hospital.
Shirley was a member of St. George Lutheran Church in Edinburgh. She was active in the women’s mission group planning retreats and leading Bible studies. As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, she was selected to be a delegate to their women’s state convention. As a resident of FUMC, she enjoyed attending Bible studies, worship services, and any type of hymn sing.
She was proud of the fact that she was a direct descendant of William B. Bradbury, composer of many well-known hymns including “Just As I Am,” “He Leadeth Me,” and “Jesus Loves Me.”
Shirley was an accomplished seamstress making clothing for her and family, as well as sewing draperies and quilting. She owned many of her family’s heritage quilts including one that was made in the 1860s by her great-grandmother.
She and Ed also had quite a large garden and fruit orchard. Shirley would can or freeze almost all of the fruits and vegetables that they would need throughout the winter.
Shirley is survived by her four children, Barbara (Paul) Logsdon of Lima, Ohio, Elizabeth A. Wessel of Springboro, Ohio, Richard (Betty) Wessel of Trafalgar and Linda (Christopher) Vensel of Westfield. Her grandchildren include Daniel (Alexis) Logsdon of Pasadena, California, Sarah Logsdon of Robinson, Illinois, Helen (Andrew) Vancil of Lafayette, Kevin and Laura Wessel of Trafalgar and Alexandra Vensel of Westfield.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Roberta (Keith) Cormia and a brother Byron (Elizabeth) Bradbury.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff at the Franklin United Methodist Community. Shirley suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and their care and genuine affection for Shirley was a blessing to both her and our family.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Flinn & Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 N. Morton St. (U.S. 31) in Franklin. A service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at St. George Lutheran Church in Edinburgh with additional visitation from 10 a.m. to time of service Thursday at the church. Burial will be immediately following in the church cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Association National Office 225 N. Michigan Ave. FL. 17 Chicago, IL 60601.
Online condolences may be received at flinnmaguire.net.
