HARRISVILLE- Shirley V. Backus, 86, formerly of 14150 Hotel Road in Harrisville, died on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the Country Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Carthage.
She was born on March 9, 1929 to the Late Sherman F. & Merle Mayhew Valentine. She graduated from Harrisville High School and from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam. She married Glenn F. Backus on June 28, 1952. Mr. Backus died in 1976.
She taught band and chorus in Pavilion, NY. She was a member of the Harrisville United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher, organist and choir director. She gave piano lessons in her home in the late 50's and early 60's. Shirley and Glenn were active in the Order of the Eastern Stars in the 60's.
She is survived by a son, Carey A. Backus, Harrisville and several cousins.
Besides her husband, she is predeceased by her parents, a son Michael G. Backus in 2013, her only sister, Virginia Valentine Brodbeck died in January of 2015.
Calling Hours will be held at the Harrisville United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 11:00am -1:00pm. A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00pm. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., 500 State St., Carthage.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to the Harrisville Fire Department, the Harrisville Free Library or the Harrisville Museum. Online condolences can be made at www.lundyfuneralhome.com