Rilla Svirbly, 94, of West Salem Twp., formerly a longtime resident of Sharon, passed away Monday morning, December 9, 2024, in her home.

Mrs. Svirbly was born on June 28, 1930, in Sharon, a daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret (Hether) Merat, and was a graduate of Sharpsville High School.

A dedicated homemaker, Rilla was highly involved in her children's lives and education. She was a member of the PTO at the former Sacred Heart and St. Anthony's Parochial Grade School. Rilla even taught gym class at St. Anthony's.

A devout Catholic, Rilla was a member of St. Michael's Church, Greenville, where she belonged to the Young at Heart group. Previously, she belonged to the former Sacred Heart Church and St. Anthony's Church, both in Sharon, and Church of the Good Shepherd, West Middlesex. Throughout the years, she served as a Eucharistic Minister, the treasurer of the Alter Rosary Society, and the treasurer of the St. Theresa Society.

Rilla took pride in volunteering at Sharon Regional Medical Center in her free time. She also enjoyed playing cards, bowling and crocheting.

Her husband, John E. Svirbly, whom she married on June 17, 1950, passed away on July 21, 1990.

She is survived by three daughters, Rilla (George) Dunlevy, Maumee, OH, Nancy (Larry) Ewing, Masury, OH, and Mary Svirbly, Sharon; five sons, John (Diane) Svirbly, Greenville, Fred (Jeannette) Svirbly, Gardners, PA, Ted (Pam) Svirbly, Greenville, Fran (Kim) Svirbly, Masury, OH, and Tom (Guyla) Svirbly, Mineral Ridge, OH; 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents and husband, Rilla was preceded in death by two sisters, Marge (Tom) Laverty, and Jean (Fritz) DeGerolamo; and two brothers, Thomas (Connie) Merat, and Robert (Esther) Merat.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to either, St. Michael's Church, 85 North High St., Greenville, PA 16125; or Helping Hands Hospice, 480 North Kerrwood Dr., STE 103, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday (12/12/2024) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 1 p.m. Friday (12/13/2024) in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3613 Sharon Rd., West Middlesex, PA, with Rev. Brandon Kleckner, as celebrant.

Interment: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hermitage.