Obituaries

Shirley Ryan Bulka, 96, of Clarksburg, died Sunday, October 31, 2021 at her residence following an extended illness.

She was born July 27, 1925 in Fort McPherson, GA, the daughter of the late George and Effie Holt Ryan. Shirley married her husband, Stanley P Bulka, on January 16, 1944. He preceded her in death June 2, 1999.

Surviving are five sons, Stanley P Bulka Jr. (Sue), Bridgeport, Paul G Bulka (Shirlene), Volga, Daniel R Bulka (Joanne), Leesburg, VA, Michael J Bulka, Clarksburg, and John J Bulka (Tina), Bridgeport. And one daughter, Mary B Binegar, Clarksburg, who also served as her primary caregiver. Shirley was proud of being the grandmother to John Rose, Pete Rose, Ryane Lewandowski, Paul G Bulka Jr. (Sohee), Chelsea Bulka-Burress (Jimmy), Daniel R Bulka Jr. (Margo), Lauren Resnik (Bennett), Alan “Blair” Binegar Jr., Joshua Binegar (Heidi), Jeremiah Binegar (fiancé Courtney Hill), as well as great grandchildren, John Curtis, Jaylen, Dominik, Caleb and Jacob Rose, Scarlet Lewandowski, Xavier and Grayson Burress, Maren and Cary Bulka, and Alayna, Brecken, Bailee, Emma, and Hudson Binegar, and three great great grandchildren.

Aside from her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by one granddaughter Crystal Ryan Bulka, son-in-law Alan B Binegar and siblings, George Ryan, Mary Garrod, and Veronica Hilderbrand and her Godmother and lifelong friend, Agnes Heine.

Shirley, a member of the greatest generation, worked in a torpedo factory during War World II. She served as the weekend cook and housekeeper for Holy Redeemer Parish, Kensington, MD. Upon moving to the mountain state in 1978, she was proud of, and well-known for, her work as an advocate for the developmentally disabled. She traveled to Washington, D.C. with several parents to speak before a Senate Sub-committee led by Senator Jennings Randolph. She trained many parents to advocate for their children to gain the assistance they needed to have a successful education.

A devout Catholic, Shirley was a member of the Sodality at Holy Redeemer Parish, where she also taught Confirmation classes in CCD. She was also active with the RCIA program at Immaculate Conception Parish, Clarksburg, where she was a member and daily attendee at Mass.

The family wishes to thank WVU Hospice for the wonderful care they provided thru nurses, especially her main nurse June and the aides, especially Lizzie, and social worker LeighAnn. Her care was completed by help from long-time caregiver Carol Smith and more recently Judy Swiger.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Immaculate Conception Church Maintenance Fund or Immaculate Conception Sisters of the Infant Jesus, 126 E. Pike Street, Clarksburg WV 26301; or to the charity of your choice.

In keeping with her wishes, Mrs. Bulka will be cremated.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Friday November 12, 2021 at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm to conclude the visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Casey Mahone as Celebrant.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.