Shirley Ann DeFord

Shirley DeFord, 79, passed away into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on January 6, 2020, just 11 days shy of her 80th birthday. As a passionate follower of Christ, Shirley was eager to see Jesus and no longer endure the kidney cancer that had taken over her body.

Born in Bedford, Indiana, on January 17, 1940, Shirley was the daughter of Albert and Pansy Richard. In 1957, she married Ronald DeFord, and they celebrated 62 years of marriage in August 2019. They have two sons, Kevin and Christopher.

Shirley was a resident of Indianapolis most of her adult life and worked in interior design for Mary Ellen Reed and in several accounting positions for Warren Township Schools, Indianapolis. She also taught ballet and tap.

For many years, Shirley and husband Ron were members of Old Bethel United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, where Shirley was active in teaching Sunday school, Bible studies, and planning many church events. Later, they attended Church at the Crossing, where Shirley organized special events and served as a dedicated volunteer. She was an unfailing, fervent Bible scholar and deeply committed to a prayer life with the Lord.

Gifted with a talent of serving others with warm hospitality, Shirley was considered the “hostess with the mostest” planning large church dinners and gatherings of friends and family, never missing a detail. Added to her love of cooking and entertaining, Shirley had a passion for gardening on a grand scale and designed a floral and plant paradise in her own backyard—a sanctuary of beauty to behold. Her handiwork always showed the love of Jesus in her heart.

Even with her many talents and gifts, Shirley’s greatest passion was for her children, grandchildren, and expected first great-grandson. She is survived by husband Ron and sons, Kevin (Angie) DeFord and Chris (Marti) DeFord, all of Indianapolis, along with her beloved grandchildren: Hayden, Luke, Jacob (Abbi), Connor, and Paige. She is also survived by sister Bert Smith, brother-in-law Kenny Turpen; nephews Steve (Sandy) Smith, Todd (Sandy) Smith, Steve (Lynn) Turpen; niece SueAnn (Dan) Brock, great-niece Amanda Brock; and cousins Darlene Jean, and Becky Shields. Shirley also had a special sister in Christ, Mary Iberg, whom she met 60 years ago and remained best friends and prayer partners. Shirley had a great love for all her dogs over the years including her current dog, Buddy Boy.