Shirley Dianne Knox

Shirley Dianne Knox, 59, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving husband, children and siblings on Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 at the James Cancer Hospital. She was born October 4th, 1959 in Muskingum County, daughter of the late Richard and Irene (Huffman) Dillon.

Shirley was born and raised in the Zanesville area. She graduated from Bishop Rosecrans High School and earned her master’s degree in education at Muskingum College.

Shirley worked for Zanesville City Schools as a 2nd grade teacher. She was a faithful member of Saint Nicholas Catholic Church. Over the years she belonged to various organizations including her sorority Delta Kappa Gamma and the Knights of Columbus. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and friends.

In addition to her devoted husband, Daniel, of 36 years, she is survived by her three children whom she dearly loved: Andrea (Jon) Arnold, Kolby (Danielle Barry) Knox, and Stephen (Sarah) Knox. She was blessed with three wonderful grandchildren: Graham, Ava Irene, and Owen Arnold. Shirley is survived by her three siblings: Jack (Sue Palmer) Dillon, Marianne (Loren) Bates, and Steve (Judy Tolley) Dillon. Also, surviving is her father-in law, Jimmie Sands (Twyla Townsend), brother-in-law David (Nancy) Sands, and sister-in-law Sheri Cooley. She was a very special aunt to her many nieces and nephews: Matt Dillon, Brad (Rachel Martin) Dillon, Trent (Jamie) Dillon, Ryan (Jodie) Bates, Katie (Ryan) LaFleur, Jordan (Jordyn Hendershot) Dillon, Jamie (Brooke) Sands, Sadie (Jason) Stutes, Amber (Krae) Merryman along with her great nieces and nephews: Harper and Piper Dillon; Aubree, Oakie, and Ivy Bates; Finn LaFleur; Bailey, Blake, and Sophie Sands; Kyle and Anna Stutes; Karter Merryman. She also had many family members, friends, and neighbors that were very close to her heart.

Shirley was preceded in death in addition to her parents by her mother-in-law, Donna Sands.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 16th, 2018 at Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Avenue, where a Christian Vigil will be held at 7:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 17th, 2018 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 925 East Main Street, Zanesville with Fr. Martin Ralko as celebrant. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or to St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Shirley’s name. The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville is in charge of the arrangements. To share memories and condolences with Shirley’s family please click on the Guest Book link on this page.

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