OBIT: Shirley (BATCHELER) DERR, 2007, native of Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Sharon Miller
<shabodeho@aol.com> 

Copyright 2007.  All rights reserved.
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_________________________________________ 

SHIRLEY BATCHELER DERR 

  Mrs. Shirley Batcheler Derr died peacefully in her sleep on July 8, 
2007. She had been a resident of Autumn House, an assisted living 
facility in Viera, FL. Her husband, John M. Derr predeceased her in 
December 2004. Mrs. Derr is survived by her two sons, Steven H. Stryker 
of Cape Canaveral, FL and Ronald Lee Stryker of Tyrone. Also surviving 
is a stepson, Robert Allan Derr and wife Shirley of Duncansville. Also 
surviving are six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mrs. 
Derr was one of ten brothers and sisters, the children of Allie and 
Frank Batcheler of Tyrone, two of whom survive, a sister, Charlotte 
Molyneaux of Melbourne, FL and a brother, Frank Batcheler Jr. of Palm 
Beach, FL.
  Mrs. Derr was a graduate of Tyrone High School class of 1935 and had 
received both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Penn State 
University and had done extensive work toward her Ph.D. For over 30 
years she was a senior English teacher at Tyrone Area High School and 
later at State College High School. In addition to regular teaching 
duties she produced many of the school's memorable senior plays and on 
two occasions was voted "Teacher of the Year for Pennsylvania" for her 
skills and dedication to her profession. Over the years of her 
retirement in Florida she continued to receive letters of appreciation 
from former students. Beyond being a great teacher, Mrs. Derr will be 
remembered as a truly exemplary and beloved human being, mother, 
grandmother, wife, sister and loyal friend and will be sorely missed.
  When in Tyrone she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and 
sang in its Westminster Choir. She was a member of the Eastern Star, of 
the "Teacher's Supper Club", a member of the Tyrone Historical Society 
and of the original Tyrone Players.
  When in Florida she attended the First Presbyterian Church of Coca 
Beach.
  Mrs. Derr was cremated in Florida and her remains were inurned at 
Blair Memorial Park following a Memorial Service at the First 
Presbyterian Church with Reverend Norman E. Huff officiating.
  Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's 
Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60601.
  Arrangements were under the direction of the Richard H. Searer 
Funeral Home Inc.  

Tyrone Daily Herald, July 17, 2007