Arthur H. Shirk, 85, of Richland, went home to his eternal reward on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Richland Christian Home. He was the husband of Ruth Ann (Witmer) Shirk for 65 years.
Born on Jan. 5, 1941, he was the son of the late Chester and Anna Shirk. On Dec. 2, 1952, Arthur gave his heart to the Lord at Royer’s Mennonite Church. That day, he devoted his life to Christ and decided that God would forever be his guide. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Texter Mountain Mennonite Church.
At the young age of 17, following the sudden death of his father, he made the difficult decision to take up his father’s side business of manufacturing wood laminated rafters, known today as Rigidply Rafters Inc. Under the blessing of God and Arthur’s hard work ethic, the business grew. He experienced tough times in business, including a fire in December 1972 that completely destroyed everything he had. Again, with the blessing of God and a friendly banker, the business resumed. Arthur retired in 2001, leaving the business in the care of his three sons. Arthur always gave credit to his Heavenly Father. Honesty, integrity, love, and compassion were his business model. He always cared about the people, and his generosity toward others was well-known. He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, hunting, property maintenance, and spending time with his family. Helping those in need and doing volunteer work were also things he enjoyed. He and his wife served as houseparents in Guatemala and the Shining Light Children’s Home in Mexico, and DRS work with Christian Aid Ministries.
In addition to his wife, Arthur is survived by his children, Steve, husband of Joy (Kreider) Shirk, of Myerstown, Harold, husband of Rose (Nolt) Shirk, of Womelsdorf, Linda, wife of Marvin Stoltzfus, of Robesonia, Crystal, wife of Dennis Byler, of Wasilla, AK, and Vernon, husband of Jody (Martin) Shirk, of Robesonia; 27 grandchildren; and 47 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Lois Redcay, Miriam Groff, and Sarah Lehman; and grandchildren, Andrew Stoltzfus and Keturah Stoltzfus.
There will be viewings from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Middle Creek Mennonite Fellowship Center, 520 PA-897, Reinholds. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at Middle Creek Mennonite Fellowship Center. Interment will follow at Richland Mennonite Church Cemetery, 399 Race St., Richland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Aid Ministries, P.O. Box 360, Berlin, OH 44610-0360.
