Shirley Claxton

Shirley A. Claxton, age 90, of Churubusco, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, at Miller's Merry Manor at Oak Pointe. She was born on June 4, 1933, in Union Township, Whitley County, to the late Russell and Lois (Hull) Yant. She spent her formative years in Churubusco and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1951. Shirley devoted a significant portion of her life to her family. After marrying her beloved husband, William, on March 7, 1951, she and Bill raised six children together. Bill preceded her in death on October 6, 2021. Shirley was a hardworking woman who served as a secretary for Claxton Electric, from 1981, until her retirement in 1993. She was a cherished member of the Churubusco Order of the Eastern Star and a faithful attendee of the Collins United Methodist Church. Shirley and Bill could often be found sitting together at the Magic Wand. The couple also enjoyed fishing. Family mattered most to Shirley, and she leaves behind a wonderful legacy. She is survived by her children, Martha (Bill) Coffing, James "Jim" (Joy) Claxton, Mary James, Becky (Ric) Clapp, Debbie Gemple, and Lori (Randy) Troyer; 19 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Koenig; sons-in-law, Tom Alberding and David James. A funeral service will occur at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco Chapel, on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with calling one hour prior to the service. The family will also receive family and friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco Chapel, on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Shirley will be laid to rest at the Merriam Christian Chapel Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Acre's Land Trust or Riley Children's Hospital. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.