Shirley Jean Finger, age 91, of Fishers, Indiana passed away peacefully March 2nd surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born in Saugerties, NY on March 8, 1927 to the late Clinton Ricketson and Florence Amelia (Bunt) Ricketson. She married Virgil Finger on August 21, 1943, a marriage that spanned an incredible fifty-seven years.
She was faithful parishioner of the St. Mary’s of the Snow church for many years. She will be remembered for her tremendous kindness and zest for life. Always active, she loved walking and will be missed by many who got to know her on her daily treks. Life threw her some curveballs in her later years, the loss of her beloved husband, hip and knee surgery, a bout with lymphoma, but she rallied back with that indomitable spirit that left all who knew her in awe. From swinging on a swing in her 80s to taking a Tai Chi class at 90, age never stood in her way. Shirley was a shining example of how to greet life, eyes wide with wonder, arms open to embrace. She will live on in the hearts of all who met her.
Shirley leaves behind her sons Barry of Great Barrington, MA. Joseph of Wilmington, NC, son and daughter in law, Peter and JoAna of Daniel Island, SC. Daughter Rose Lenart of Noblesville, IN, and daughter and son in law, Lynda and Brian Rasmussen of Fishers, IN with who she has resided for the past 20 years. As well as several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
She was a loving Grandma to 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 15 great great grandchildren. All of whom she loved like they were her own.
She was predeceased by her husband Virgil Finger, her son in law, John Lenart, daughter in law, Ida Mae (Bush) Finger, her granddaughter Tanya (Finger) Conklin and her four siblings, Mildred (Milfred) Gippert, Richard (Ella) Ricketson, Katherine Ricketson, Clinton (Martha) Ricketson.
A celebration of life will be held at later date.
Mary L Wagner says
Shirley, I know you are in a better place and walking freely without the walker and so out of any pain.. I do say I will miss your walking past my house in the Summer and when the days aloud you to in good weather. It was nice knowing you Ms, Shirley
Rest in the arms of our Lord < < Your neighbor on Raiders Blvd
Wendy says
We met Shirley 19 years ago when Lynda and i became friends. We ended up being neighbors for a couple years. She was such a caring, gentle woman and so full of life. She will be truly missed!
Love,
The Cooke Family
Lorraine says
Shirley was my mother’s favourite cousin and she became very dear to me as well. I would get to chat with her when she called my mother. We always enjoyed those cheery phone calls and her wonderfully warm and newsy letters. She had a way of writing that brought us into her everyday life. Mom passed away in 2015 but Shirley and I kept in touch. She was the last of their generation. I miss my Mom and I will miss Shirley too.
Linda F Little says
Linda Finger Little
Shirley was my father’s {Ralph} cousin’s wife. She and Virgil kept close contact with my mom after my dad passed away. And she has kept in touch with me since 2001, when my mom passed away. I shall miss hearing from her and I know that she is at peace with her heavenly family. She loved her family and was a wonderful example to all who were privileged to know her.