Gerber, Shannon Laura

BARBERTON – Shannon Laura Gerber, 35, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 25, 2020.  She was born in Wooster, Ohio to Dennis and Joanne (Ratzel) Gerber.

Shannon was a 2003 graduate of Dalton High School.  Upon graduation she was employed at Shady Lawn Nursing Home, and in March of 2007 she started her law enforcement career with the Smithville Police Department. Later that year, she was hired part-time by the Doylestown Police Department.   Shannon served as a part time officer until August 2011, when she was selected to serve as the first full- time DARE/School Resource Officer for Chippewa Local Schools. Over the next 8 years, Shannon built relationships with students, parents, staff, teachers and administrators and created a legacy that will forever be remembered.  Her passion for children was unprecedented and was obvious in all that she did and accomplished.

In her law enforcement career, Shannon was recognized in 2017 for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year; in 2018 she was nominated and selected as The Child Advocate of the Year for Wayne County, not only for her work in the schools, but also her involvement in investigating numerous cases of neglect and abuse against children, In 2019 Shannon was chosen as one of the most influential women of Wayne County Women’s Network.

In late 2019 Shannon made the tough decision to leave law enforcement and focus her efforts on high risk youth at The Village Network, where she became the Program Supervisor; she helped misguided children suffering from mental health crisis.

Shannon was a beacon and the epitome of what every civil servant should aspire to be; she never failed in her duties as a law enforcement officer and always held steadfast in resolve to protect the local community.  She truly was a gift to those hearts she touched and had a larger than life personality, one that will leave a lasting impression on all those hearts she touched.

Surviving in addition to her parents, are grandmother, Phyllis Jean Ratzel;  the love of her life, fiance Mason Birkbeck; four sisters, Hilary Gerber (Andrew Walton), Sheridan (Brian) Crawford, Kaitlyn Yost and Sydney Gerber; as well as many cherished Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews and her fur babies, Teddy, Eleanor and Franklin.

She was preceded in death by her grandparent’s Lloyd and Wanda Gerber, Clifford Ratzel and John and Kenova Edgar.

Friends will be received on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 4-8:00 p.m. at the Chippewa High School Gymnasium, 466 S. Portage St., Doylestown, OH 44230.  Please be advised that because of COVID-19 masks must be worn at all times and that social distancing will be observed.

Services will be held Saturday,  August 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the gymnasium.  Private family burial will be held.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf Shannon to Wayne County Children’s Advocacy Center, 1734 Gasche St, Wooster, OH 44691.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.