Shirlee Grubb
Shirlee Lea (Atkinson) Grubb, a wonderful wife, mother of three, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of 11, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025, just as she had wished, at home with her devoted husband by her side. She was 87 years old.
Born in Zanesville, Ohio, July 3, 1937, she was the third of four children of Roy H. and Melba O. (Dowell) Atkinson.
Shirlee met the love of her life, Robert Ellis “Bob” Grubb, at Lash High School, going on dates to downtown movies and the Lind Arena, and they married on January 15, 1955, at Pierce Street United Methodist Church. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising three children: Randall Robert (Linda Dolen Grubb), born in 1957; Steven Kent (Debi Rollins Grubb), born in 1959; and Leanne Michele (Todd Faris), born in 1968.
During the 1960s, Shirlee co-owned S&S Poodle Parlor, a dog grooming salon, with her cousin, Sandi (Addis) Wood. In the 1970s, she and Bob owned the 7th Street Marathon gas station before founding Custom Trailer Shop, later known as Grubb Hitch & RV Center, which they operated from 1980 until their retirement in 2011. Shirlee managed the office while Bob and their sons built trailers and serviced RVs, creating a family business they took great pride in.
The Grubbs made their home on Olde Falls Road from 1968 to 1993, where Shirlee hosted legendary themed parties, family reunions, and holiday gatherings. They later moved their home and business to West Pike, continuing to make great memories with their grandchildren. After retiring in 2011, they embraced the snowbird lifestyle, spending winters in Sebring, Florida, before returning to their hometown of Zanesville full-time in 2018.
Shirlee found joy in cooking and was known for her tender baked steak, sticky ham, homemade noodles, and incredible fudges. Her chocolate, peanut butter, and buttermilk fudge were famous among family and friends. She was often asked for her secret recipes! She loved to travel, making cross-country trips with Bob and their grandchildren, visiting destinations like Disney, Yosemite, and The Grand Canyon, as well as spending time with family in Indiana, Las Vegas, Florida, and California.
In her youth, Shirlee took many years of tap dance classes with Marjorie Holzschuer, and later enjoyed aerobics and dance fitness classes with Leanne. She and her best friend, Marie Thornton, explored new hobbies like macramé and ceramics, and bowled in a Tuesday morning league at Military Lanes. Shirlee’s adventurous spirit, generous nature, and playful disposition will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Bob; their three children; grandchildren: Alisha Lynn (Grubb) Daugherty (Rob), Brandon Lee Grubb (Tiffany), Tad Michael Hughes (Heather), Kristin Nicole Grubb, Matthew Randall Grubb (Sierra), Gabrielle Mariah (Campbell) Walker (Josh) and Logan Dakota Clark (Caitlin); eleven great-grandchildren; her sister, Margaret Jean Page of Florida; sister-in-law, Geraldine “Geri” Wos of Nevada; brother-in-law, Richard “Rick” Grubb (Pat) of Indiana; and her cousin, Sandi, with whom she shared a special bond. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends who were dear to her heart, as well as her precious fur baby, Chelsea, an Affenpinscher Terrier.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Bob’s parents, Gerald (Alice) Grubb and Luella (Walsh) Grubb-Goodman; her sister, Georgianna (Jim) Garber; her brother, Roy H. Atkinson Jr. (Eleanor); niece, Autumn Jean (Page) Smith; and sisters-in-law: Shirley Ann (Gene) Rice and Juanita Mae Paxson (Bob).
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Shirlee’s nephew, Ted Garber, and his wife, Nancy, who have been so supportive and important to Shirlee. Special friends Kristine and Mark York and their children, Shannon and Adam, who were considered her bonus grandchildren; and the many friends and family members who shared in Shirlee’s long and happy journey through life.
Calling hours will be from 11AM to 1PM, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE, OHIO. The funeral service will begin at 1PM in The Snouffer Chapel with Rev. Laureen Roe officiating. Burial will be in Williams Cemetery at a later date.
To send a note of condolence to the family visit www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, find us on facebook, or call our locally owned caring staff at 740-450-8000.
