Shirley Ann Hunter, 90, North Manchester, passed away at her home on June 14, 2023. The daughter of the late William N. and Belva E. (Madlem) Kreighbaum, Shirley was born at her family’s home near Gilead on September 2, 1932.
Growing up in Miami County, Shirley graduated from Gilead High School in 1950. A year later, on December 23, 1951, she married Clarion L. “Gene” Hunter. Shirley and Gene were blessed with four children, Judy, Dan, Terry, and Don. Sadly, Gene died on October 28, 1980. Shirley was a cook at Laketon Elementary for over thirty-five years, and she was employed at Lance’s New Market for thirty-two years before retiring. Shirley also volunteered as a custodian for South Pleasant Church where she was a member for years, as secretary for South Pleasant Cemetery, and as a greeter for Warsaw Community Church, where she attended regularly.
A true inspiration to many, Shirley was the definition of faith in action, positivity and energy. She loved working outside around her home, especially in her garden. From the time her children were young, she enjoyed camping trips and experiencing nature with the family and she dearly loved to travel. Shirley was thankful for the simple things in life. When she spent time inside, she was often either quilting or baking pies for her family or friends. She was inspiring in her diligence in taking care of her health. She was often found riding her stationary bike, on which she logged over 8,000 miles. Shirley loved to laugh and make others smile, which was often the result of some of her mischief. Shirley loved life and was still very young at heart as she was looking forward to camping this summer at her home with her great-grandchildren. She had a servant’s heart and was very giving of her time, often providing transportation for others to doctor appointments and different places if unable to get there themselves. Helping others was very fulfilling and her focus in life. And her strong faith and love for her Lord, her backbone. Shirley treasured being around her family and friends and attending church.
The loving memory of Shirley Ann Hunter will be forever cherished by her daughter, Judy (Kevin Weaver) Hunter, Warsaw; sons, Dan (Deborah) Hunter, Roann, Terry (Connie) Hunter, Silver Lake, and Don (Cathy) Hunter, Columbia City; sisters, Bonnie Slone, Warsaw and Karen (Ted) Leiter, Akron; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gene Hunter; brothers, William “Billy” Kreighbaum and Jerry R. “Jake” Kreighbaum; and sister, Jackie Whitaker.
Family and friends may call Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with calling beginning at 9:00 a.m. at South Pleasant Church, 5064 West 1400 North, North Manchester. Pastor Jamy Gregory and Pastor Wayne Balmer will officiate. Burial will be held at South Pleasant Cemetery.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Shirley Ann Hunter, memorial contributions may be made to the South Pleasant Cemetery Association, 14106 North Bonestead Road, Silver Lake, Indiana 46982.
The family of Shirley Ann Hunter has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.