Shelly Obert

Shelly Jean Obert, aged 66, passed away at her home early Saturday morning, August 6, 2016 after a three year battle with ovarian cancer. Shelly was born May 6, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio, the oldest child of Ralph Edward Obert Sr. and Jean Eileen (nee Schwentke) Obert. Shelly was a beloved aunt, sister, daughter and partner who would always light up a room with her smile and a tray of homemade desserts. She always strived to help others, both in her personal life and at work. She was a licensed social worker who was employed for forty-two years at Portage Path Behavioral Health Center in Akron, Ohio, most recently as Director of Quality Improvement. She worked daily to improve the lives of others, up until she was unable. Her infinite capacity for kindness was shown everyday as she helped those around her and in dealing with the love of her life, her good-hearted partner Frank. Shelly enjoyed traveling, baking, dining out, and chocolate. She inherited an affinity for artisan jewelry from her mother, and loved attending local art shows with friends and family. Shelly was a graduate of Hudson High School, earned a Bachelor's degree from the College of Wooster and received her Master's from Case Western Reserve University. She is survived by the love of her life Frank R. Skinder Jr. of Hudson, Ohio and his daughter Caitlin Skinder; by her brother Ralph Edward Obert, Jr. of Hudson, Ohio; her nephews R. Adam Obert and Curtis Edward Obert of Brecksville, Ohio; and by her sister Leslie Ann (nee Obert) Gary, brother-in-law William Gary, niece Alyssa Gary, nephew Brennan Gary and great-nephew Joah of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and by many dear friends and co-workers. She was preceded in death by her parents. She will be fondly remembered, but dearly missed. A memorial service will be held Thursday evening, August 11th at 7:00 pm at Redeemer Church 190 West Streetsboro Street in Hudson Ohio. In lieu of flowers, tribute contributions in Shelly's name may be made to University Hospital's Siedman Cancer Center.