Shirley Kelm Ambrose, age 72, died of cancer Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in the loving arms of her husband, Rich, at their home of 27 years in Nokomis, Fla.

Born Aug. 18, 1940, in East Liverpool, Ohio, she was the daughter of Harold and Geneva Kelm. Married to Rich Ambrose Sept. 24, 1960, they moved to Huntington, W.Va. for Rich to attend college and then to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she and Rich had a successful landscape, design and florist business. They retired to Nokomis in 1985 to live happily overlooking the waters of Dona Bay.

Shirley was loving, lively and always involved in business with her husband. She was giving of her time and talent to many civic organizations. She was a chamber of commerce board member and a school board member. Her charitable work included the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. Her involvement at the Venice Yacht Club kept her very busy. A member of the Venice Yacht Club for 22 years, her volunteer time at the club included serving on the board of directors for five years and time as secretary, entertainment chair, House Committee member and coeditor of the Currents.

Surviving her at home is her devoted husband, Rich. Also surviving are their two sons, Michael Ambrose (and his wife, Karen) of Springboro, Ohio, and Matthew Ambrose of Venice; grandchildren Taylor Ambrose and Daniele Breeden; and great-grandson Nick, all of Springboro, Ohio. She will be missed by her high school Ya-Yas (Bonnie, Ann Lynn, Peggy, JoAnn and Dixie). Shirley was a friend to all and all who met her felt they had known her a lifetime. Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Turner.

Services: A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Contributions: Those wishing to do so may send donations in Shirley’s memory to Tidewell Hospice of Venice.