Ben Shiretzki

Raphael Benjamin “Ben” Shiretzki, age 84, of Lavonia, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025 at St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital.

He was born in Gainesville, GA June 4, 1941, son of the late Raphael B. Shiretzki, Sr. and Mae Page Shiretzki. He graduated from Decatur High School in Decatur, GA and served in the U. S. Coast Guard. Ben married Carol ‘Ann’ Yates Martin in April of 1968.

Ben worked as a craftsman and electrician in many positions including technician for Piedmont Natural Gas, running his own businesses, Ben’s Service Mart and RadioShack, maintenance engineer for Stephens County Hospital, and tool specialist at Lowe’s. Ben also spent his time as a volunteer in his church and community. He was an active member in the Lavonia Masonic Lodge 241, a founding member of the Gumlog Volunteer Fire Department, and an elder at Lavonia Presbyterian Church. Ben and Ann loved many pets through the years, and he leaves behind a cat, Ivy.

Ben is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Yates Shiretzki, son Mark Martin (Jenny) of Hartwell, GA, daughter Carol Shiretzki Hagan of Decatur, AL, grandchildren Wade and Julia Martin, Nicole, Allen, Ashley, and Jordan Hagan, sister-in-law and nephew Shelby Yates Torbert and Rodney Torbert, and a nephew, Mike Shiretzki. He also leaves behind many beloved church friends and Masonic lodge brothers. Ben was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Harry Shiretzki.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2026 at the Lavonia Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jennifer Horton officiating. He will be interred at the Lavonia City-Burgess Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lavonia Mobile Food Pantry c/o Lavonia Presbyterian Church, PO Box 82, Lavonia, GA 30553, the Lavonia Masonic Lodge 241, or the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.