Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018
Shirley Gunyou
Shirley Knight Gunyou passed away May 18, 2018 in Minnetonka, MN, just shy of her 97th birthday. She left this world peacefully and without any extraordinary measures taken to prolong a life well and fully lived.
Born in Nelsonville, OH on June 19, 1921 to James D. (Ethel) Knight. Her family settled the Appalachian river town in 1821 and ran the first trading post. Survived by brother James G. (Clara Belle) Knight.
Shirley was a strong, independent woman, well ahead of her time. She struggled to be a proper young lady for her mother, while excelling in academics and sports. As a Girl Scout leader in the 1950s and 60s, she helped many young women gain the self-confidence they needed to succeed in life.
A graduate of Ohio University, she worked as a Medical Technologist during WWII. She lost her first husband when his plane crashed, and was married for 60 years to Lyman Gunyou, also a fighter pilot.
Shirley and Lyman lived in Celina, OH from 1951 through 2015, where they raised two children: John (Kim) Gunyou, Minnetonka MN, and Susan (Dr. Daniel) Rains, Indianapolis, IN. Shirley had four grandchildren: Drew Toivonen, Nicole (Jason) Rothbauer, Emily (Per) Halaas and Hillary (Robert) Hughes, and four great-grandchildren (Lillian Hughes, Max Rothbauer, Hudson Hughes and Bror Halaas). She graciously embraced her inherited MN grandchildren, Kyle Robson, Jenna Robson, Paige (Anthony) Priolo, and Erica Needham.
Shirley retained an unwavering devotion to her family, friends, Ohio State football and chocolate.
Private services have been held; interment at North Grove Cemetery, Celina, OH.
The family is deeply grateful for the care Shirley received at The Glenn, Minnetonka, and from Nancy Nixon, RN, Park Nicollet Hospice.
Memorials are suggested to a hospice of the donors' choice.
