Marilyn Ruth Shirey, a resident of rural Mentone, passed away quietly in Parkview Whitley Hospital under the tender care of their hospice team. Her Monday, June 4, 2018, passing was at 3:25 a.m. She was 79 years old.
Marilyn was born in Plainwell, Mich., on Jan. 3, 1939, to Harold Anderson and his wife, Helen Kayler Anderson. Marilyn and her two brothers spent much of their youth in Columbia City. She graduated from Columbia City High School and attended Indiana Business College.
On April 20, 1957, she was united in marriage to Junior V. Shirey. The pair made their home in Bourbon, and shared nearly 55 years together before Junior’s passing on Jan. 24, 2012. To their union, three sons were born: Mark, Randy and Bryan.
Marilyn worked for State Farm Insurance for more than 35 years. She was integral in the daily operations of the office and was licensed as an insurance agent.
Marilyn enjoyed baking and flower gardening. She was a selfless, giving person who gave of her time and efforts. She volunteered as a lunch buddy at Mentone Elementary and through the YMCA for various projects. She also volunteered at Faith Mission and was a longtime member of Palestine Bible Church.
After the passing of her husband, Marilyn enjoyed traveling, which is something they had enjoyed when their family was younger. Her travels, several of which she shared with her sons, brought her to all corners of the United States and to Europe four times.
In addition to her husband, Junior Shirey, those who preceded Marilyn in passing include her son, Randy Shirey; brother, Don Anderson; and her parents.
Those who survive include her two sons: Mark (Cindy) Shirey, Warsaw, and Bryan Shirey, Marietta, Ga.; and her brother, Ralph (Shella) Anderson, Columbia City. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Amber Shirey (husband Zaven Papakhian), Portland, Ore.; Scott Shirey (significant other Adrienne Smalley), Bourbon; Kyle Shirey, Austin, Texas; Taylor Stiver, Warsaw; and Tanner Stiver, Warsaw.
The family will receive friends for visitation and sharing of memories from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw.
A funeral that celebrates Marilyn’s life will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home, with an additional visitation for one hour prior. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
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Memorials to Parkview Whitley Home Health and Hospice, 1270 E. Ind. 205, Suite 50, Columbia City, IN 46725.
Condolences may be sent to the family via www.TitusFuneralHome.com.
