Shirley A. (Balthaser) Fox

"Our Beloved Aunt T"


Shirley A. "Tootie" (Balthaser) Fox, 85, of Colonial Park, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 5, 2015 in Harrisburg following a brief illness.

Born June 4, 1929 in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late William A. and Pearl L. (Gumpher) Balthaser and was also preceded in death by her brothers, William Balthaser and Leroy "Ditty" Balthaser.  She was active and beloved at Penbrook Junior High and was a 1948 graduate of John Harris High School; worked for the Treasury Department and ultimately retired from TRW.

Shirley was a member of the former Trinity Lutheran Church, Harrisburg; was a member of the Frey Village Authority; Hershey Italian Lodge; and a member and occasional driver of the Lower Paxton and Susquehanna Golden Age Clubs.  She was a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Post 1213 where she served as Chaplain and Patriotic Instructor.  She is also a Charter Member and past Treasurer of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Post 286 and as a member of the Golden Hearts Club, she took on the responsibility of Hospitality Chairperson and Membership Chairperson.  In addition, she was extremely active in AARP, serving on the Executive Board as Director; the Newsletter-Publicity Committee and the Nominating Committee.

She and her late husband, Charles F. "Puzz" Fox, Jr., were married on July 24, 1954 and had many wonderful years of marriage, until his passing in 1990.  They owned a fishing cabin on Hill Island, Goldsboro, and spent many hours fishing and boating.  She also enjoyed hunting, traveling and watching birds; and cheering on her beloved Phillies and Penn State Nittany Lions.

Although Aunt T (as she was known) had no children by birth, many have considered her a second mother, especially her great-niece and caregiver, Theresa Golden, her great-niece, Jennifer Rose; and her neighbors, Sue and Cheryl Allen.  She is also survived by her nephews, Andrew (and his wife, Jackie) Balthaser, Scott Balthaser and Dan Balthaser; her nieces,  Peggy Lee Williamson and Sheryl Campbell; her husband's nephew and five nieces and all their families; and many other loving friends, all of whom will miss her greatly.

Services will be held 12:00 pm Monday, May 11, 2015 at Kimmel Funeral Home, 2001 Market Street, Harrisburg.  Burial will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park.  The viewing will be from 11:00 am until noon Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania or to the Disabled American Veterans Association.