Obituary of Shirley Ruth Alker

Shirley Guterman Alker, age 90, died on August 3, 2010, of congestive heart failure at her home in Martinsville. Shirley, the daughter of Kathryn and Herman Guterman, was born on July 16, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA. She was a graduate of Girls High School in Philadelphia and worked for American Mutual Insurance Company until her marriage April 27, 1946 to Jack. Originally they made their home in Bristol, PA then Somerville, NJ. She and Jack then lived in a succession of 4 States, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Georgia, returning to New Jersey in 1965. She was active in volunteer organizations throughout her life, teaching swimming lessons through the Red Cross and 15 years as an EMT on the Martinsville Rescue Squad. Shirley had a passion for dogs, particularly Cocker Spaniels. She also was an avid gardener having a beautiful rose garden, vegetables and other flowers. Shirley and Jack traveled extensively in the US, and also traveled to Europe and the Caribbean, living for a while in London, England. For 20 years they wintered in their RV in Sunshine Key, Florida, enjoying the company of many friends. Shirley is survived by her husband, John "Jack" Alker; her daughter and son in law, Linda and Bob Heras; her grandson, Bill Heras, her step-grandchildren, Kristin Lowery and Rob Heras; and 5 great step-grandchildren. Her sister, Verna Guterman predeceased her in March. A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 7, 2010 at 11:00 am at The Martinsville Methodist Church, 1949 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ 08836. Charitable gifts in memory of Shirley may be made to the Martinsville Rescue Squad, 1771 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ 08836, St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, P.O. Box 5281, 3201 Rt. 22 East, North Branch, NJ 08876 or Community Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Program, 110 West End Ave, Somerville, NJ 08876. Arrangements are under the direction of Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung, NJ 07069.