Shirley Mae Hager, 88, passed away on January 13, 2026, at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. Shirley was born August 2, 1937, in Lima to the late Marcus and Cleo (Ebling) Bales. On June 8, 1958, she married George "Samuel" Hager, and he preceded her in death on September 28, 2025. 

Shirley was a graduate of Central High School in Lima. She worked as a receptionist at the Allen County Juvenile Court and also had worked at the American Cancer Society and the Allen County Recorder's Office. Shirley was a member of Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, Lima. She was a member of Farm Bureau Council Number 27 and served many years on the Allen County Farm Bureau Board. Shirley met the love of her life, George "Sam" through square dancing, and they shared that love for 67 years. Together, Shirley and Sam enjoyed playing cards and traveling with their friends and cheering for The Ohio State Buckeyes. Above all, Shirley loved her family and especially loved cheering them on at their various activities. 

Survivors include three children, Lorrie Hager of Dayton, Ohio, Todd (Julie) Hager of Lima, Matthew (Candy) Hager of Lafayette; four grandchildren, Bryan (Angeleca) Hager of Lima, Jacob (Tabitha) Hager of Lima, Forrest Hager of Cleveland, Hannah (Reilly Schultz) Hager of Columbus, Ohio; five great-grandchildren, Winston, Louis, Oliver, Gwendolyn and Theodore Hager all of Lima; and a sister-in-law, Dalene Bales of Columbus, Ohio.

Shirley was preceded in death by four brothers, James Bales, Jack E. Bales, Gene Bales, Tommie Bales and a sister, Dorothy Edwards.

Shirley's service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, at Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, 4950 N. Thayer Road, Lima. Pastor James Washington officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, January 15 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton and one hour prior to the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Pleasant View Church of the Brethren or the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/