Shirley and Chuck Spellman’s legacy lives on through their memorial scholarship
As we continue our Faces of the Foundation series, we introduce you to Shirley and Chuck Spellman, Grove City locals whose legacy and memory now lives on in their named scholarship. First established following Shirley’s passing, upon Chuck’s passing the scholarship became the couple’s combined legacy, fostered by efforts from Shirley’s daughter Kimber Bandy. Below in Kimber’s words, meet Shirley and Chuck, and learn how their legacy scholarship was established.
Chuck and Shirley Spellman were married in 1993 and resided in Grove City until both of their deaths. They shared a strong commitment to their community and wanted what was best for their friends and neighbors. They loved being a part of Grove City and they showed it by volunteering with many organizations including the Grove City Chamber of Commerce, the Grove City Noon Lions Club, as well as activities through Heartland Bank, where Shirley worked. Both Chuck and Shirley had a servant’s heart - and it showed through their tireless efforts to create friendship and love in everything for which they were involved. They spent their time serving their community in many ways, both seen and unseen.
Chuck Spellman was a retired electrician in Local 683. He remained active in his local union as well as the Grove City Noon Lions, where you might find him delivering poinsettias or emceeing the Ohio State/Michigan tailgate party. When he wasn’t volunteering his time, you would find him attending to his immaculate yard, in which he took great pride. He was friendly and outgoing and used his gifts to create memorable experiences for those around him. He was often the “life of the party” and knew how to make everyone feel welcome.
Shirley worked for Heartland Bank until her death in 2021 where she was a staple in the Grove City branch. She knew and greeted everyone who walked into the bank. Her smile was part of the atmosphere in the Grove City branch. She loved her work and continued to do it, even when the chance to retire arose. She loved making an impact on the people she met and helped, whether at the bank or with the many organizations to which she gave her time outside of Heartland. She found ways to initiate conversations with a warm greeting and smile and often led events or took leadership roles, as was her natural gift. They both served their community with passion and energy.
When my mom passed away in 2021, Chuck and I immediately took the opportunity to start a scholarship in her name. He was adamant in wanting his beloved wife's legacy to live on in Grove City and looked for ways to pay all of their good fortune forward. After Chuck's passing in 2024, we dedicated ourselves to continue to honor their wishes. We hope this scholarship award helps a young person realize their potential and they will take every opportunity to give back to their own community, wherever that may be. We thank the Grove City Chamber Foundation for facilitating this scholarship and helping us to honor my mom and dad in the community they dearly loved.
We’re grateful for families who have chosen to set up a legacy scholarship, from Chuck and Kimber taking the initiative upon Shirley’s passing, to Kimber and other family and friends who have supported since Chuck’s passing and the scholarship bearing both names. You can learn more about legacy scholarships with the Grove City Chamber Foundation by clicking here.
