Shirley Jean Thomas

Shirley Jean Thomas, a long-time resident of both Zionsville, Indiana and Bonita Springs, Florida, entered eternal life as an angel of God on November 3, 2016 at Joanne’s House (Hope Hospice). She battled untreatable lung and adrenal gland cancer diagnosed May 16, 2016. She was 73 years old. Shirley was married almost 52 years to the love of her life, her husband, Chuck. She was deeply devoted and loved their two children and seven grandchildren along with love for all her friends across the USA and Canada. She will be sadly missed by all and remembered for her admiring smile and warm glow of friendship and love. She was God’s gift to all of us and brighten the lives of countless people. Shirley was born July 2, 1943 in Dyess, Arkansas to her now deceased parents, R. Douglas and Vida Mae Lansdale as the youngest of eight children. All are now deceased except for her sister, Dottie Balok of Leesburg, Florida. She graduated from Berrien Springs High School in Michigan then attended South Bend Business School. She met Chuck while working at Bendix Corporation in South Bend and married him on February 13, 1965. After moving to Indianapolis in May, 1965, she continued to work as a legal secretary and homemaker. She then retired from her career to raise her family and get involved with the community of Zionsville and Indianapolis. Her hobbies included bridge, golf, walking, biking, yoga, reading, dancing especially on POET’s night and traveling the USA and Europe. However, her most important time was spent with her two children and seven grandchildren along with her many, many friends. She loved to spend time in the evening at Bonita Bay beach enjoying the wonderful sunsets for more than 22 years with her husband, family and friends. Shirley is survived by her husband, Chuck, her beloved children, Todd Thomas (former wife, Nancy) of Sheridan, Indiana and Tracy Kindred (Craig, husband) of Parker, Colorado and seven grandchildren, Hayley, Kayla, Trista, Cassidy, Charlie, Adelyn and Emery. She has several nieces and nephews (great grand nieces and nephews) who have brought joy to her life. What a lovable family!! She is also survived by her dear “adopted family” of Lori Mills and her sons, Elliott, Eric and Kyle as well as Richard Grana and his son Michael—an extended family unit forever. Celebration of life services will be held at North Naples United Methodist Church on Tuesday, November 8 at 4:30pm. Additionally, there will be a service in Indianapolis on Dec. 3rd at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church at 11am. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Shirley’s memory may contribute to either North Naples United Methodist Church, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis or Joanne’s House (Hope Hospice) in Bonita Springs. Also, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society to fight this dreaded disease. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Shirley Jean Thomas

July 2, 1943 - November 3, 2016