Shirley Pike Diefenderfer of Laurel passed away at the Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Born in Rhodesdale, Md., on June 13, 1934, she was the daughter of the late James Henry and Jennie Lellage Pike, and lived in Hurlock for most of her childhood. She and Charles H. Diefenderfer of Trappe were married on November 22, 1950. After a brief stay in Easton, Shirley lived in Trappe for more than 50 years. Shirley worked as a cashier for many years in Easton at the A & P and Safeway in Cambridge. Charles passed away in 1999, and Shirley relocated to Laurel in 2004.

She was a believer in Jesus Christ and a faithful attendee and supporter of churches, including the Pilgrim Holiness Churches in Hurlock and Oxford, Wesleyan Churches in Trappe, Cambridge and Laurel, St. John’s United Methodist Church in Seaford, and, most recently, Centenary United Methodist Church in Laurel.

During her time in Laurel, Shirley spent several years working as a volunteer at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital. Her hobbies included reading, scrapbooking, researching family history, doing jigsaw puzzles, watching the news, and reminiscing about the good old days.

Along with her parents and husband, Shirley was predeceased by her brother James Pike, and sisters Evelyn Hearn and Anna Hope.

Shirley is survived by two daughters, Gloria Larese-Casanova of Annapolis, Md., and Joy (Thomas) Slavens of Laurel; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Brad) Smith of San Marcos, CA, Amy Willmarth of Crofton, Md., Christopher (Crystal) Slavens of Laurel, and Scott (Katie) Slavens of Oxford, Pa.; and three great-grandchildren, Charles Willmarth, Hudson Smith, and Madeline Smith; great-niece and caregiver, Dawn Pritchett of Laurel.

The funeral service took place on Wednesday, Oct. 21, with a public visitation at Centenary United Methodist Church in Laurel. Burial took place at White Marsh Cemetery in Trappe.

To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.