Obituary of Shirley Jones Digel
Smethport--Shirley Jones Digel passed away on September 7, 2022, at age 89, surrounded by her loving
family. She was born on October 3, 1932, in Bradford, PA to Julia Marie and John Paul Jones and had
three sisters Nancy Hubbard, Betty Pfohl, and Judy McMillin. Shirley had 53 wonderful years of marriage
to Robert A. Digel, Jr. who adored her. Shirley always said, “Our children and grandchildren are the
greatest joy and center of our lives” and spent significant time with them. When they were not chasing
their children and grandchildren around, Shirley and Bob traveled in their RV to Green Valley, AZ for the
winter and spent summers at Chautauqua, NY and Round Island, NY.
Shirley loved life – whether it was golfing with friends, knowing the perfect, age-appropriate way to
relate to grandchildren, cheering on her favorite sports teams, chasing bird migrations, traveling abroad
with children and friends, or staying current on politics – she did nothing half-heartedly. She made life
magical for those around her. “Porching with Gramme” was a special time, coveted by her friends,
children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews alike. You see, she made everyone feel special because she
cared so deeply. Life was always a bit brighter and when Shirley was present. Her contagious laugh,
mischievous smile, joy, and wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She leaves her sons Marty (Debbie) and Peter (Pam), her daughter Julia Kopp (Brian) and daughter-in-
law Jane Digel; her grandchildren Sam (Anna), Ben (Nikki), Jacob (Shaun), Abbie (Peter), Hilary (Wes),
Casey (soon Siobhan) and Megan; and her great-grandchildren Georgie, Ella, Jones and Charlie. She was
predeceased by her husband Robert A. Digel Jr., her son Jeff and her grandson Tyler Kopp.
A special thank you to the caregivers who supported and comforted her during the last six months. A
funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 13 th at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Smethport, PA.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Hamlin Memorial Library of Smethport, 123 South Mechanic
Street, P.O. Box 422, Smethport, PA 16749, or the United Methodist Church of Smethport, 601 W King
St, Smethport, PA 16749. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
