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Shirley Rohrbaugh, 82, the wife of the late Laverne E. Rohrbaugh, died May 13, 2011, in Capital Caring Hospice in Arlington, Va. Services were held June 14 at the Murphey Funeral Home in Arlington. Interment followed at Arlington National Cemetery, near her husband who had been a POW during World War II.

Shirley Blatt and the Rev. Laverne Rohrbaugh were married in 1947, early in his pastorate at Centenary Methodist Church in Biglerbille, from 1946 to 1964. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary before his death in 1999.  She was a faithful minister’s wife, serving in his appointed churches. Following Centenary, these included Grace UMC in Hagerstown, from 1964-1974; then Mt. Vernon Place in Washington, D.C., from 1974-1983. He was appointed to Cheverly UMC in 1983 and served there until 1987 when he retired.

She was a special education teacher when they lived in Virginia, then worked for the State of Maryland. She was active in the churches and also with Church Women United.

Survivors include her daughter, Pamela Draper, a brother and sister.

Condolences may be sent to her daughter at 13989 Antonia Ford Court, Centreville, VA 20121-3504.