Doris Ann (Steele) Shallahamer

STOW - Doris Ann (Steele) Shallahamer, 88, of Stow, died at home with her family by her precious side, on June 21, 2023, from end stage renal failure. Preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ruth Steele; husband, Donald L. Shallahamer; daughter, Rebecca (Bauder) Thompson; sister, Patricia Kerr, and sons in law, Carl Thompson, Ralph DeGennaro, and Paul Genda, Jr.

She is survived by her children, whom she immensely loved and adored, and who adored and loved her just as much, Cheryl (Bauder) Genda, Michael Bauder [Lisa], Donald E. Shallahamer [Norma], and Amy (Shallahamer) Edwards DeGennaro, as well as her baby brother, David Steele, of Colorado Springs. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Paul Michael Genda, Tina Thompson, Lisa Genda, Amber (Thompson) Denker [Ben], Timothy Shallahamer, Donny Shallahamer, Jeremy Bauder, and Michael Edwards, whom she had a very special relationship with, and they loved their Gramma with all their hearts. She is additionally survived by six great-grandchildren, Kiera Johnson, Tavin Genda, Zack Dunham, Kieon Johnson, Xavier Genda, and Makenna Genda, who also dearly loved their “Great Shallahamer.” In addition, she will be missed by her very good friends, Ginny Moore, Jeff and Coleen Rossow, Kendra Boulton, and Yvonne Allen, and her many, many great friends from bowling.

Doris was a descendant of the 1700’s Steele family, one of the original families that settled in the City of Stow, who owned the property now known as Steels Corners Road. She was exceptionally proud of her family and loved them beyond words. Doris was extremely kind, patient, moral, calm, and very dignified. She was our matriarch and glue. One of her favorite sayings was, “If nothing good is going to come from it, don’t say it or do it.”

Doris was a Christian from a young age. Doris was far beyond her years in her belief that all people are equal but also different, and she “liked that.” She strongly believed that you love everyone, regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation. People and animals deserve kindness and respect. Her wish is that all people just be kind and have a loving heart; and try to understand what people might be going through. There was not one single person who disliked her; she was instantly loved by all who met her. Her children’s friends, and grandchildren’s friends instantly became family to her. Everyone called her Grandma, regardless of whether or not they were related to her. If you had a tough problem, you went to her, because she always gave the best advice.

In her last days, the following are her thoughts that she requested to be known here: She absolutely loved to play games with her family, the most valued times in her life. One of her many legacies was teaching all her children and grandchildren to be great Euchre players. Only she could guess the word, “Gobbledegoop,” playing Catch Phrase with family and friends. New Year’s Eve was always a game playing celebration for her, and she will miss bringing in future New Years with us. Her years of bowling with her family and friends were some of the most precious times to her. She bowled twice a week until the Covid pandemic forced her to stop at age 85; she had her children and grandchildren bowling with her at a very young age. She truly valued the time spent bowling with her people, and all will cherish those memories forever. She loved musicals, (especially Gene Kelly, Doris Day, and Fred Astaire), and really enjoyed going to Playhouse Square Theatres. Additionally, her flowers made her very happy, and many years were spent working to perfect them - another legacy which has been carried on by her family.

She was a diehard Ohio sports fanatic. Other than spending time with her family, you would find her rooting for her Cleveland Indians, Buckeyes, Cavaliers, and Browns. It was very rare for her to miss a game, and she was ecstatic to see the Cavs take home the championship in ‘16.

She rarely enjoyed a beer but was amused by all the new craft beer names; she said that in her day, “all the beer had single names.”

She wanted to thank Leslie, Amanda, and Lori, from Fresenius Dialysis Centers in Kent and Streetsboro, respectively, for their loving care and friendship. In addition, her amazing 25 year-long Nephrologist, Dr. Susan Ray, gave her many extra years of life.

She requested that we say, “Please tell my family and friends that I loved them so much and I am going to miss you all!”

She also wanted everyone to know that she lived a beautiful life and was at peace with her decision to enter Crossroads Hospice.

She was truly one of a kind and loved so very, very much. The hole left behind will be immense for all of us.

Friends may pay respect to her at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, in Stow, Friday June 30, 2023, from 5 - 7 PM, and Saturday, from 10 - 11 AM, with service at 11 AM, followed by Interment at Crown Hill Cemetery. Chaplain Calvin Fergins officiating.

She strongly felt that no child, animal, or person should suffer. Doris was a monthly donator to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, it was Doris’ request for donations be sent, in her memory, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.