ST. JOHNSVILLE - Mrs. Shirley D. Lawyer, 85, of St. Johnsville entered into eternal rest on Friday evening June 26, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, NY, with her family at her side, after valiantly battling failing health for several years. She was born June 6, 1930 in Salt Springville, NY, daughter of the late Louis and Pearl (Smith) Dingman. On May 27, 1950 Shirley was united in marriage with Fred M. Lawyer, and they enjoyed a marriage of 58 years prior to his death on August 17, 2008. Shirley spent her early years living on the family farm in Salt Springville, attending East Springfield High School, where she graduated in 1948. As the oldest of six children, she was relied upon by her parents and siblings a great deal. Shirley spent many years as a cook and waitress, operating a diner with her husband at their service station in Hessville. After moving to St. Johnsville, she also worked for Beech Nut / Life Savers Corporation. Later in life, she became an aide to adults with special needs, as well as an aide in a local nursing home, prior to her retirement. Shirley's legacy lives on in the lives of her large family. She took great pleasure in her family, raising them to be strong, independent people. Not only was she known as 'Ma' to a great number of people, but also G-Ma or Gramma-Gramma to all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Survivors include her children: Frederick "Rick" Lawyer (Linda), of St. Johnsville; Dennis Lawyer (Michelle), of Canajoharie; Dawn Nourse (Steve Hentnik), of St. Johnsville; Judy Kalinowski (Alan), of St. Johnsville; and Lisa Evans (Stan) of Gulfport, MS. Thirteen cherished grandchildren: Shelly Lawyer, Kim Phillips (Bob), Robert Lawyer; Adom Lawyer (Barbara), J'mie Lawyer, Angie Lawyer; Pamela Nourse (Chris); Alison Kriner (Brian), Jordan Kalinowski (Kristen); Brianne Dobreski (Ed), Nastassia Alger (Matt), Alyssa Evans (Ron), and Joshua Evans (Gabrielle). Eighteen great-grandchildren: Mackensie Lawyer, Shane Hastings, Kaylin Phillips, Justin Phillips, Kyle Lawyer, Trenton Lawyer, Abby Lawyer, Amber Lawyer, Becky Lawyer, Courtney Benson, Tori Ackler, Caitlin Ackler, Emily Kriner, Nathan Kalinowski, MaryAnne Dobreski, Alexander Dobreski, Brett Dobreski, and Jacob Dobreski. Sadly, she will miss the birth of a great-grandchild in late 2015. Two great-great grandchildren: Iris Jane and Liam; she will miss the birth of another double-great grandchild later this year. Siblings: Sherwood Dingman (Shirley), Beverly Weigel (Werner), Susan Eastwood, Lyle Dingman (Linda), along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Wade Dingman, and brother-in-law Ralph Eastwood, as well as grandson Michael Hentnik and great-granddaughter Gracie Anne Dobreski. The family wishes to greatly thank the staff of CNY Cardiology, Dr. Sharma and St. Elizabeth Hospital, as well as the St. Johnsville Nursing Home, for the care they offered Shirley these past years. A very special thank you to Michael Swartz and SAVAC, for their support, care and compassion each time they were needed. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street, St. Johnsville on Tuesday June 30, 2015 from 1 until 4 PM. Mrs. Lawyer's funeral will commence at 4 o'clock in the afternoon on Tuesday from the chapel of the funeral home where a prayer service will be offered by Rev. Kenneth Dingman. Procession will follow to Freysbush Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Fred. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider memorial contributions in Shirley's name to SAVAC. Envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home. Her family has planned all funeral and burial arrangements with The Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street in Saint Johnsville, NY. Funeral Directors Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea (518) 568-2300. An online note of sympathy may be delivered by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.