Shirley E. Hitter

Columbiana - Shirley E. Hitter, 83, of Columbiana, died Tuesday morning at St. Maryâa�a��s Alzheimer's Center. Mrs. Hitter was born January 3, 1925 in Youngstown, a daughter of Fred Haller and Odeasa Weaver Crivelli. Mrs. Hitter had been an American Red Cross volunteer for many years, teaching canoeing, sailing and first aid. She was a first aid volunteer at the Canfield Fair for many years. Mrs. Hitter was also remembered for having taught swimming for the Youngstown pools and working with the Girl and Boy Scouts. Because of her love of dogs, Mrs. Hitter was a professional dog handler and breeder for over 40 years. At one time, she and her husband owned and operated Hitterhaus Kennels in New Waterford. She specialized in the breeding and showing of champion Dobermans, Whippets and Corgies. Mrs. Hitter was a member of the American Kennel Club, the Columbiana Kennel Club, and the Mahoning Shenango Kennel Club for many years. Her husband of 65 years, William Hitter, whom she married in June of 1942, died January 28, 2007. She is survived by one daughter, Kathy Weamer of Beaver Dam, VA; one brother, Robert Haller of Lake Milton; two grandchildren, Laura (Chuck) Coe of Pasadena, MD and Cyndi (Matt) Pomeroy of Beaver Dam, VA; five great-grandchildren, Holden Murphy, Breanna Coe, Alex Coe, Rachel Pomeroy and Joshua Pomeroy. Besides her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, David Hitter. Memorial services will be held Saturday May 24, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland, where family and friends may call one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hitter's name to the Columbiana Kennel Club, P.O. Box 544, Midway, PA 15060 or Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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