Shirley Cook Spitzer was born at home in Bridgewater, Virginia to Charlene Ruff on September 3, 1935. She was raised by her mother and adoptive father, Tony Cook in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia with her brother, Filmore, and sister, Julia. She attended North River High School and graduated in 1954. After high school she attended cosmetology school and became a licensed beautician. In 1960 she married William “Pete” Spitzer in Bluefield, West Virginia. In 1970 she and Pete moved to their home in Craig County with their three children, Doug, Earl, & Renea.
In the late 1970’s Shirley established, owned, and operated Clip-N-Style Beauty Salon at her home for over 30 years. When she wasn’t busy working in the shop, she would always be doing something around the house, wrangling three unruly children, cooking, cleaning and maintaining the family household. During the summer and fall she would work diligently to harvest, can and freeze all the wonderful produce from Pete’s garden. The kitchen was always a boisterous place where she welcomed extended family and friends, including the many “adopted” kids that were friends of her children.
Shirley was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Pete, and her brother, Filmore Cook. Shirley is survived by her three children, Doug Spitzer, Earl Spitzer, and Renea Vincent; two grandchildren, Andrew Spitzer and Racquel Johnston; four great-grandchildren, Noah, Haleigh, Lucas, and Judah; her sister, Julia Miller, niece, Dawn Miller, grand-niece, Lacey and grand-nephew, Tyler; and her nephew, Daniel Cook.
Shirley passed away peacefully at her home under hospice care on February 27, 2025.
No immediate services will be held. A combined memorial service for Shirley and Pete will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.