RETHA ATHEY SHIRKEY

1928-2022

Retha Athey Shirkey, age 93, died in Houston on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

She was born October 9, 1928 in York, PA; the daughter of the late Melville K. Shirkey and Retha Athey Shirkey.

She was a 1946 graduate of John Handley High School, Winchester, VA and a 1950 graduate of Madison College. She began her career teaching at Warren County (VA) High School then moved to Langley Field, VA where she worked for NASA as a technical librarian. In 1962 Retha transferred to Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston where she worked until her retirement in 1979. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church-Houston and was active in the Chancel Choir, Women of the Church and served as Elder. Following retirement from NASA, she volunteered twenty-four years at Operation ID, an

FPC ministry to the homeless. Retha enjoyed travel and took many trips, including visiting all seven continents. She was a member of the Special Libraries Association from 1963 to 1979, having served as Treasurer of the Texas Chapter. She was the last member of her immediate family.

A graveside service was held at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, VA on April 11, 2022. A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian ChurchHouston at 9:00 AM, April 21, 2022.

Memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church-Houston, 5300 Main Street, Houston, TX 77004 or to a charity of choice.

Service will be live streamed via the following link:

https://fpchouston.org/ ministries/adults/memorialsand-memorial-garden/