Shirley A. Shultz

Shirley Shultz, age 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, September 22, 2025. Born on July 31, 1943, in Napoleon, Ohio, to Rueben and Edna Panning, Shirley later made her home in Wabash and spent most of her adult life in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

A dedicated and compassionate caregiver, Shirley served for many years as an emergency room nurse at Parkview Hospital, where she touched countless lives with her skill and kindness. Her commitment to lifelong learning was evident in her pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at IPFW, where she took one evening class per semester for 24 consecutive semesters—earning recognition as the university’s longest consecutively enrolled student to achieve a bachelor’s degree.

 Shirley is survived by her beloved husband, Clifford Shultz, and her five children: Chris (Leah) Thompson, Greg (Dorice) Thompson, Jeff (Leslie) Thompson, Sarah Thompson, and Patrick (Jenny) Thompson. She was proud to say that all five were her favorites. She also leaves behind 16 cherished grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

 She is also survived by her siblings: Roger (Nancy) Panning, Wayne (Jean) Panning, Tom (Cheryl), and Rick (Earline). Shirley was known for her vibrant spirit and zest for life. She brought joy to every gathering and found happiness in sewing, quilting, running, traveling—especially to Europe and Florida—and spending time with her grandchildren.

 Shirley will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service for Shirley will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Butler Cemetery in Butler, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eleos Hospice at eleoshospice.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley A. Shultz, please visit our floral store.