Shirley Ann Binkley
OBITUARY
Shirley Ann Binkley, 90, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Easton, Pennsylvania, on June 27, 1935, Shirley was the daughter of the late Edward H. Bentz, Sr. and Lucy (Dickes) Bentz. She was the youngest of eleven children and was preceded in death by eight of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sister, Mary, and her brother, Freddy. On June 16, 1956, Shirley married the love of her life, Ronald K. Binkley. Together they shared nearly fifty years of marriage until Ronald’s passing in 2005. Through their years together, they built a loving home and family and created memories that continue to be cherished by those who knew them. Shirley was a woman of creativity, warmth, and quiet strength. A published poet, her work was featured in numerous poetry collections and enjoyed by readers far beyond her family and friends. Through her writing, she expressed her thoughts, observations, and love of life, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire others. She enjoyed puzzles and proudly displayed several of her completed favorites on her wall. She loved playing the organ, appreciated simple beauty, and had a special fondness for the color red and for roses. Shirley also took great pride in her career at Air Products, where she worked for many years. Above all else, Shirley treasured her family. She had a remarkable gift for making holidays special, especially Christmas. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, traditions, and love. She created memories that her children and grandchildren will carry with them throughout their lives.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to the nurses, caregivers, and hospice staff who provided Shirley with compassionate care and comfort during her final days.
In one of the final entries written in the journal shared by her family and caregivers, it was noted that Shirley was especially talkative that day and wanted to go see the roses. Those who knew her best smiled when they read those words, for Shirley had always loved roses and the color red. It was a simple wish that beautifully reflected the woman she was—a woman who found joy in beauty, treasured life’s small pleasures, and never lost her appreciation for the world around her. Shirley will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, her poetry, her puzzles, her love of family, and the warmth she brought into the lives of others. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May we think of Shirley whenever the red roses bloom.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Chris Alan Binkley and Scott Michael Binkley and his wife, Jamie, of Longswamp Township; her daughter, Michele Renee Curatola and her husband, Daniel, of Allentown; her grandchildren, Dylan-Anthony William Wagner, Evan Scott Binkley, and Myka Elizabeth Binkley; her sister, Mary; her brother, Freddy; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Shirley was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 A.M. at the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 16th and Hamilton Sts. Allentown. A calling hour will be held on Saturday, from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. in the funeral home. Condolences may be offered at: www.jsburkholder.com.