Shirley Ann (Terwilliger) Gartner, 90, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. She was born on June 14, 1936, in Detroit, MI to the late William H. and Nellie S. (Savage) Terwilliger.
Shirley was a homemaker at heart. As her children were growing up and interested, Shirley taught them to cook, bake, and sew. These skills served to be invaluable. She loved doting on her grandchildren when they were young. She would sew up quilts and clothes for them. As they got older, she taught some of them how to cook and bake her 'secret' family recipes. She was an excellent cook and baker. In her latter years, she enjoyed traveling to see relatives from time to time. Shirley liked to keep busy and have a sense of purpose. She once volunteered to sew school supply bags with donated school supplies to a local charity.
Shirley was employed as a secretary for a number of years with CDSI, a contractor located at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA. Shirley assisted with religious services as a volunteer with Menno Haven Spiritual Care. She enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, playing cards and games with her neighborhood friends, puzzles, sewing, cross stitching, crocheting, all sorts of crafting, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her six children Joseph Gartner (Jacqueline) of Lititz, PA; Elizabeth Gartner of Chambersburg, PA; Michael Gartner (Quenby) of Cedar Park, TX; Kathryn Gartner of Woodinville, WA; Robert Gartner of San Antonio, TX; Christine Dwivedi (Raj) of Greenbelt, MD; grandchildren Alex Dwivedi, Jolene Gartner, Rachel Dwivedi, Gavin Gartner (Cheyenne), Gily Gartner (George McGinnis), Dane Gartner; great grandchildren Marley and Daylin; sister Patricia Rice (Joe) of Howell, MI. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband William Gartner, brother David Terwilliger, sister Cynthia “Nancy” Maiorana, and grandson Garrett Gartner.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202 with Rev. Dr. A. Robert Cook officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the funeral home.
Feel free to wear colorful attire to the Celebration of Life service. As her family and friends know, Shirley loved color as reflected in the flowers she chose to plant in her flower beds and display in her home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com
