Shirley J. Lear

Shirley J. Lear, 86, of Bedford, died on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Bedford Post Acute. She was born on March 28, 1940 in Roaring Spring, a daughter of the late Clyde Weaver Sr. and E. Marie (Eshelman) Weaver. On July 7, 1969 in Bedford, she married Paul C. Lear and he preceded her in death on July 18, 2020. She is survived by a daughter: Mary Walter and husband H. Bruce Jr. of Osterburg; adopted granddaughter Catie Shaffer of Osterburg; and two brothers: Donald Weaver and wife Dorothy of Duncansville and Harold Weaver of Everett. She was preceded in death by a brother, Clyde Weaver Jr., and two sisters, Betty Joann Hasting and infant Dorothy Leota Weaver.

Shirley worked at the Howard Johnson’s on the Pa Turnpike north midway plaza as a cook, and this is where she met her husband of 51 years. She also worked as a housekeeper, cleaning many people’s homes. She was fondly known as Myrtle by many of the Bedford Post Acute staff, who took great care of her and provided wonderful friendship. She loved her stuffed animals, which she would treat as her own pets, and beading, and would make bracelets for many of the staff members who provided care for her. The family would like to thank both Bedford Post Acute and Gentiva Hospice for their wonderful care and love for Shirley.

Funeral Services will be private. Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.