Shirley A. Lyon

Shirley A. Lyon, 84, of Dolgeville, New York and most recently of the Masonic Care Community in Utica, New York, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, March 22, 2021 at the home in Utica, New York.

She was born on July 1, 1936 in Malone, New York and was the daughter of the late, John and Lillian (Susice) Surprise. She was educated at Dolgeville Central School.

On August 23, 1952, Shirley was united in marriage to Merwin G. Lyon at the Dolgeville United Methodist Church Parsonage in Dolgeville, New York. The couple shared a union of 45 years when Merwin passed away on January 28, 1998.

Shirley was formerly employed with Dolgeville Central School as a bus driver and with the cafeteria staff for 33 years until her retirement on July 1, 1998.  Before her dedicated service to the school, Shirley worked part time with the Lyon Greenhouse also in Dolgeville, New York.

She had many memberships and involvement in her community. Shirley was a member of the Dolgeville United Methodist Church, Women's Wednesday Night Bowling League, a 37 year member of the Daughters of the Nile, a 50 year member of the Salisbury Center Grange #624, a 50 year member of the Herkimer County Fireman's Ladies Auxiliary Charter Member, 68 year member of the Dolgeville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary where she served as president, vice president, and secretary as well as being a Member of the Board of Directors, and a 60 year member of the Auskerada Maquaes Rock City Chapter # 204 where she served as Past Matron.

In her spare time and earlier years, Shirley enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, cooking, baking, bowling, going to coin shows with her husband, Merwin "Mers Coins and Hobbies" as well as cooking dinners for the Fire Department and Eastern Star. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Shirley will be deeply missed by her family and community.

She is survived by her loving children, Montgomery Lyon and his wife, Marybeth of Dolgeville, NY, Georgette Dobson of Dolgeville, NY, Aretas Lyon and his companion, Barb of Little Falls, NY, Ralph Lyon and his wife, Shawn of Spencer, WI, and Darcie Lyon and her wife, Denise of Hanahan, SC; special grandchildren, Melissa Eagles (Blane) of Stratford, NY, Lukas Dobson (Jessie) of Oceanside, CA, Carson Dobson of Dolgeville, NY, Joshua Lyon of Stratford, NY, Alicia Lyon (Luke) of St. Johnsville, NY, Craig Lyon (Jason) of Hampton, VA, Ellayna Lyon (Austin) of Chippewa Falls, WI, Kaelyn Lyon (Connor) of Eau Claire, WI, and Courtney Lyon of Spencer, WI; cherished great-grandchildren, Kyle Lyon (Christine) of Dolgeville, NY, Alyssa Hight (Joseph) of Jacksonville, FL, Dillon Lyon (Leah) of Dolgeville, NY, Jaden Barhydt of St. Johnsville, NY, Luke Barhydt of St. Johnsville, NY, Kara Hudson, Abigail Hudson and Joey Hudson all of Little Falls, NY; a sister, Marie Comstock; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bruce Lyon of Dolgeville, NY, Marsden Lyon of Whitesboro, NY, Duane Lyon and his wife, Donna of GA, Daryl Lyon and his wife, Julia of Dolgeville, NY and George and his wife, Char of Sauquoit, NY, Grace Anna Eggleston, of Dolgeville, NY; Irene Diedrick of  NC, Noreen Crane and her husband, Jim of Dolgeville, NY and Donna Lyon of Dolgeville, NY. 

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Merwin Lyon, a grandson, Jarrod Lyon, her parents, John and Lillian Surprise, her mother and father in law, George and Grace Lyon, brothers and sisters-in-law, Arthur Comstock, Craig Lyon, Ralph "Willie" and Shirley Williams, Waldo Lyon, Allen & Nadine Spencer, Arlene Lyon, Carol Lyon and several nieces and nephews.  

Calling hours will be held on Saturday afternoon, March 27, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York. A funeral service will be conducted by the Sisters of Auskerada Maquaes Rock City Chapter # 204, Order of the Eastern Star following calling hours at 4:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Dolgeville Cemetery with Pastor Anthony Bradseth officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to a remembrance luncheon hosted at Rustic Ties, Spencer Road, Dolgeville, New York 13329 immediately following the service. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flower offerings, please consider memorial contributions for Auskerada Maquaes Rock City Chapter # 204, Order of the Eastern Star, 106 South Main Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329 or the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601.

To leave a message of sympathy or to order flowers for the Lyon Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall.

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