Shirley Stricker

Shirley Faye Shackelford Stricker always made time for family and friends. Her kindness and the love she showed were just a few of her very special qualities. Her personality shone like the sun – warm and compassionate for those around her. She made everyone feel special and left her mark on all those she came in contact with.

The 1940s were a very important decade in our nation’s past. The epic battle of World War II was fresh in the memories of millions around the globe as people tried to rebuild their lives and move on. It was the era of big bands and the birth of television, back before anyone had ever heard of rock and roll. For Withroe D. and Mildred (Stites) Shackelford, 1947 was a wonderful year and would have a major impact on their lives. On August 22, 1947, they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Shirley Faye, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Shirley spent her growing up years on the east side of Indianapolis, where she graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1965. She later spent some time overseas living in the beautiful countryside of Germany for about eighteen months. Following Shirley’s return to the United States, she was blessed with her only child, daughter Jennifer. This was the most precious day in her life because her little “sweet pea”, which she affectionately called her daughter, was born on Shirley’s birthday. She considered that a marvelous gift.

In 1991, Shirley’s life took a new direction when she was introduced to a widower named, Joseph H. Stricker, Jr., through another couple in their church. Joseph could not help but adore Shirley, who was not only beautiful but also full of life. It was her dynamic personality that he and everyone else loved. Over the next fourteen months, their love for each other blossomed and in 1992, they joined their hearts forever in a small intimate wedding in the chapel at Anderson University in Indiana. After a private reception with close family and friends, the newlyweds took a romantic honeymoon to Chicago. Shirley cherished these moments as some of the greatest in her life.

Besides caring for her family, Shirley found time for work and leisure activities. She worked as a secretary and office manager at Mister Ice for the last eighteen years, and liked her job. When not working, she enjoyed shopping, especially for jewelry, and tending to her many houseplants, which were always bright and full of life. Shirley was a true “social butterfly”, relishing opportunities to be with family and friends. Though her kind heart was not limited to just people, she loved animals and would have picked up every stray animal around, if she could. When vacationing, one of Shirley’s favorite places to visit was Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Faith was also important to Shirley and she attended the Church at the Crossing.

Shirley Faye Shackelford Stricker, age 56 of Fishers IN, suddenly passed away on Thursday, August 19, 2004. She was the daughter of Withroe D. Shackelford and Mildred Stites Shackelford, deceased. Besides her father, she is survived by her husband of twelve years, Joseph H. Stricker, Jr., and one daughter, Jennifer Mills. We will celebrate her life on Tuesday, August 24, at 11 a.m. in the Leppert Life Story Funeral Home, Nora Chapel, and friends may greet her family on Monday, August 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will follow at Union Chapel Cemetery. You are invited to visit her memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may read Shirley’s life story, share a personal memory, arrange for flowers or make a memorial contribution to Hamilton County Humane Society.

Shirley brought sunshine and smiles to scores of people throughout her life. She was compassionate, loving and gave continuously to her family throughout her life. Shirley will be deeply missed.