MaryLou (Findley) Shirley, 84, of Indiana, passed away, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at her home.
A daughter of the late John S. “Jack” and Velma (Mervine) Findley, MaryLou was born Feb. 5, 1940, in Johnstown.
MaryLou attended Brush Valley United Methodist Church and was active in their events until disabilities confined her to home.
She was a graduate of Indiana High School. Like other students in high school, MaryLou was in various clubs. She had no desire to be “best of this” or “acclaimed that” – except to be the best wife and mother she could be, and she excelled at that!! Even so, she encouraged her children to do their best and enjoy school life to the fullest.
Her employment history included working at a Ceramic Hobby Shop in Fairborn, Ohio and Dr. James L. Cook in Indiana. MaryLou was also a homemaker. And last but not least, she loved Elvis. And oh yes, she bowled a 299 game!
She, like her husband, loved the USA and its way of life. MaryLou readily accepted hardships like improving while waiting for her household goods to catch up, or learning to live in a new culture, or caring for the family for months during his absences.
Even so, she lovingly followed her Air Force husband from base to base and country to country. While at Torrejon Air Base in Spain, she worked for Welfare, Morale and Recreation as an assistant supervisor in the Ceramic Hobby Shop. During the holidays, MaryLou would keep the shop open for those who didn’t have families in the area. Even in the face of meanness and greed, she was generous and loving. It was at Torrejon that she was active in the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Club and was elected to various offices including president. While in Spain, MaryLou toured Spanish Royal palaces, museums and libraries, cheered for the bull at bullfights, dined at ancient restaurants and sent several souvenirs home only to have them stolen before she could really enjoy them.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Harry D. Shirley, of Indiana; three sons, John Shirley and wife Sondra, of Omaha, Neb.; David Shirley and wife Erin, of Mt. Pleasant and Todd Shirley and wife Lori, of Homer City; two sisters, Karen S. Findley and Tammy L. Findley; seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, MaryLou was preceded in death by a baby son, William Shirley.
Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at Robinson-Lytle-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 36 N 7th Street, Indiana, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, with Kim Betz officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to Concordia-IRMC VNA, Medical Arts Building, Suite 3000, 850 Hospital Road, Indiana, PA 15701 or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
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