Shirley Ann Tinkey Polk, 88, of Leesburg, entered paradise on Oct. 24, 2024, where we know she is joyfully reuniting with many loved ones who preceded her to our heavenly home.
Born on May 18, 1936, to Clarence and Cleo Tinkey, Shirley was the fourth of five siblings and the first daughter to grace the Tinkey household. She was raised in Burket on the family’s homestead and enjoyed life on their farm while learning to play piano and attending church and 4-H meetings. At the young age of 11, she and her younger sister took over the household duties when her mother was paralyzed in an automobile accident. From the age of 5-16, Shirley attended the Burket School where she met a handsome, young basketball player named Larry who became her husband. The couple married on June 14, 1952, and in the first 10 years of their marriage, they welcomed four children. They were blessed with 71 years of marriage before Larry passed away on Jan. 27, 2024.
Larry and Shirley moved to the Leesburg area in 1955, where they started their farm. In the late ’50s the couple built Polk & Sons Inc. on Ind. 15. This business grew to be a successful farm machinery dealership and salvage yard, holding many auctions over the years. Shirley was the backbone of the business. She ran the office, raised the children and livestock, worked on the farm, and in general “held down the fort” while Larry traveled to build the business or worked the land. Shirley was the picture of strength and resilience as the couple endured life’s challenges including a housefire and later, a tornado that ripped through their business. Shirley always worked hard to take care of her family and kept her head held high, relying on her strong faith in times of trouble.
Shirley was an active member of the Leesburg United Methodist Church for many years and recently joined Clunette United Methodist Church. She was a member of Eastern Star. She enjoyed volunteering to make meals for the Lions Club meetings when Larry was a member and participating with him in the Echoes of the Past Tractor Club events. Shirley spent every Friday morning at DC’s salon having her signature white curls expertly styled by Derry Dillon. In her retirement, she enjoyed her weekly Wednesday breakfasts with her friends. Above all, her family was the center of Shirley’s world. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. Most of her time outside of work was dedicated to spending time with her family and attending their activities. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Shirley is survived by sons, Dennis Polk and Tim (Lili) Polk, of Warsaw; daughter, Sally Bailey, of Leesburg; grandchildren: Jeff (Christy) Polk, Krista (Mike) Alm, Chris Polk, Jennifer (Cameron) Hatten, Karla (Joel) Shepherd, Janel (Brian) Zehring, Jeremiah (Rachael) Polk, Angie (David) Jarrett, Jacob (Rachel) Polk, Jordan (Linzi) Polk and Jared Polk; 25 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Merl (Linda) Tinkey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Polk; son, Gary “Jake” Polk; her parents; and siblings: Norman Tinkey, Richard (Dickie) Tinkey and Peg (Peggy) Eaton.
Friends and family may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Shirley’s life will be celebrated with a service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Mike Beezley. A graveside service will follow at Leesburg Cemetery in Leesburg.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Kosciusko County Community Foundation 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580 to go towards The Larry and Shirley Polk Endowment Fund for Agriculture.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.