Shirley Ann Thatcher

Shirley Ann Thatcher, 94, passed away on May 5, 2025, in Kokomo, surrounded by her adoring family. She was born on June 19, 1930, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Liston and Stella Rose Silvey.

Shirley graduated from Kokomo High School in 1949. In 1950, she married Norman H. Brewer, with whom she had three beloved children: Norman (Mike), Debra Rose, and Connie Jo Brewer. She returned to Kokomo in 1965 and, three years later, married the love of her life, Donald R. Thatcher, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Together, they shared 56 wonderful years, building a close-knit, loving family.

Throughout her life, Shirley was a dedicated and compassionate worker, serving in hospitals across Arkansas and Oklahoma before working at Kingston Products and later retiring from Delco Electronics.

She had a passion for family traditions, especially cooking and hosting holiday meals with Donnie. Shirley found joy in simple pleasures: spending time with her family, reading, visiting the casino, and following the British Royal Family. She was truly the heart of her family and will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and enduring love.

She is survived by her husband, Donald Thatcher of Kokomo; daughter, Connie Rice of Kokomo; daughter-in-law, Tammy Kinder of Kokomo; grandchildren Liz (Gavin) Stetler of West Lafayette, IN; Nick (Megan) Beamer of White Oak, TX; and Amanda (Bill) McQuinn of Burlington, IN; and great-grandchildren Ethan and Emma Stetler, Brianna, Mikaela, and Ayden Beamer, Alex De La Rosa Jr., Brooklin and Landon Beamer, with another great-grandchild on the way.

Also surviving are her nephew Eric Silvey of Kokomo; nieces Vanessa Silvey of Indianapolis and Pam Neff of Bettendorf, IA; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law William (Donna) Thatcher of Kokomo, Mary Rose Wible of Charlottesville, VA, Pauletta May of Carson City, NV, and Sally (Jim) Dillon of Kokomo; along with many cherished nieces and nephews across the country in California, Virginia, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Liston and Stella Silvey; her son, Norman Michael Brewer; daughter, Debra Brewer; brother, Robert Lance Silvey; and her in-laws, Paul and Mary Thatcher.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kokomo, with a funeral Mass to follow at 5:00 p.m.

Shirley’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.