Obituary of Shirley Lamhut

Shirley Lamhut, 92, of Freehold Township died on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. She was born in the Bronx, N.Y. to Freda and Max Ashpitz, and grew up in Brooklyn. She worked for the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was involved with Zionist causes in the 1940’s. Later on she was in charge of payroll for over 400 workers at Melina Fabrics. When she left, it took three women to replace her. During this time she met her future husband, Mandel Lamhut, who she married in 1951, settling in central New Jersey. Shirley learned to drive on a 2 ½ ton truck on the couple’s chicken farm in Freehold Township. They moved to Marlboro and finally back to Freehold Township in early 60’s. When Paul-Mark Printing (Mandel’s new business) flourished, Shirley began as bookkeeper and customer service. In time she learned to run the presses, and did typesetting. She continued working part-time at Paul-Mark Printing until recently. Shirley was a homemaker to her three boys, Paul, Mark and Howard. She was busy raising her family and for many years enjoyed going camping via tent or pop-up trailer. Shirley was involved with Troop No. 68 Boy Scouts of America in the 70’s – one year spending her wedding anniversary with the scoutmaster (her husband) and troop on a campout. She also surprised the camp director at Forestburg Scout Reservation when she wore a scout uniform and lined up with the troop at assembly. Her home life included the garden – that grew tomatoes that she turned into the best Marinara sauce in town . . . and a salad at her home was a work of art, almost too good looking to eat. At the Lamhut home, all friends were welcome. Shirley also had no daughter’s-in-law, they were all her daughters. She was an active member Congregation Agudath Achim’s Women’s Club, Freehold. She supported the Jewish War Veterans Post No. 359, Freehold with secretarial duties. She was honored by the J.W.V. by being their Grand Marshall choice for the Memorial Day Parade one year. She participated and camped with the Society for Creative Anachromism (re-creators of 17th century life/skills and arts), friend to all, and an Archer at age 80. Shirley also helped Center Players, Freehold as a board member, taking the treasurer’s position for a number of years. Surviving family are sons, Paul married to Carol, Mark married to Elfriede, and Howard; grandchildren Rebecca married to Jessie Jones, and Lisa. Funeral services will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at Hebrew Benefit Society Cemetery, Route 33, Freehold. Memorial donations to a favorite charity would be appreciated.