Shirley J. (Bogart) Gratz

Delanson – Shirley Joyce (Bogart) Gratz, 58, went to be with Jesus on March 10, 2023 with her loving friend, Lorraine Vidulich by her side at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY after a brief illness.

Born August 19, 1964 in Smithtown, Long Island, she was the daughter of the late Orville (Joe) Bogart and Patricia Brock. She was also the beloved sister of the late John Bogart who passed away on March 27, 2020.

Shirley was married to the late Rev. Richard Gratz who passed away on January 24, 2007. They shared many memorable years together. He was the love of her life.

She is survived by her beloved aunt Marilyn Cocozello of Long Island.

Shirley attended Duanesburg Central School and was a graduate of the class of 1984. She also served her community by being a volunteer for the Duanesburg Ambulance Corps.

She loved her pets, Snowball, Angel Boy, Cuddles and Baby Girl.

Shirley enjoyed crocheting lap blankets for those she loved. She also enjoyed cooking, baking and sharing with her special neighbors, Jean and Ron Frisbee.

There wasn’t anything Shirley wouldn’t do to help others if it was within her means.

Shirley was adopted into her friend Lorraine’s family when she was in her 20’s living in Gallupville. She often babysat Lorraine’s children, Jonathan, Christie, Alissa, Tiffany and Chelsey and grew to love them as her own. Shirley spoiled their children, Hailey, Jeremiah, Joy, Natalie, Emily, Autumn, Britlyn, Easton and Tenley, who called her ‘Gramma Shirley’. They were very precious to her and she loved them dearly.

She called many friends daily and they became a part of her life. Some of which were a part of her family’s lives for many years. They include Joyce Kepple, Debbie Strobeck, Julie (Strobeck) Dress and her daughter, Sarah Ludwig who is Shirley’s goddaughter. Her very close friend is Frank Keenan, they shared many cookouts, bonfires and enjoyable rides together. Frank always made sure there were many pretty flowers outside for Shirley to enjoy through the summer.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held 3 p.m. Sunday May 7, 2023 at White-VanBuren Funeral Home, 1779 Main St., Delanson with Pastor Frank Coons Sr. officiating.  

A visiting hour from 2-3 p.m will precede the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s name may be made to the Duanesburg Ambulance Corps or an animal shelter of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley J. (Bogart) Gratz, please visit our floral store.