Shirley A. Frye, 87, of Brilliant, OH, passed away peacefully Friday January 12, 2024 at home.

She was born January 2, 1937 in Adena, OH, a daughter of the late Dean and Gwendolyn L. (Nation) Merriman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, Eugene J. "Gene" Frye, Sr.; and a granddaughter, Alexandra Faye DeLong.

Shirley retired in 2004 from the Jefferson County Courthouse where she was a switchboard operator. She was a member of the Brilliant Methodist Church and the Steubenville American Legion Post 33 Auxiliary. Shirley enjoyed gardening and cooking. She also loved her family; they were her life and heart.

Surviving four children, Eugene James Frye, Jr. and his fiancé Tia Sinclair of Brilliant, OH, Annette L. Ensell of Brilliant, OH, Lauri Gentile of Steubenville, OH and Lisa Neely of Brilliant, OH; a sister, Deanne (Charles) Bell of Richmond, OH; seven grandchildren, Deana Gentile, Leslee (Eric) Boan, Brandon Neely, Arin (Meredith) Neely, Alyssa (Jason) West, Jimi (Riva) Frye, III and Matthew (Maria) Ensell; and twelve great-grandchildren, Gianna and Alina Gentile, Sophia, Leon and Ronan Neely, Jaxon West, Damon Tate, Lucien Ensell, Darla and Gene Frye, Farrah DeLong and Leo Harliss.

Friends will be received at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 712 Third St., Brilliant, OH, on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of her funeral service at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Kevin Dougherty, officiating.

Offer condolences online at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.