Shirley Jean (Hussong) Owens, age 81 of Elwood passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Millers Merry Manor in Tipton following an extended battle with cancer. She was born on September 14, 1935 in Elwood, the daughter of Readus and Ruth (Hankley) Hussong. Shirley worked as an auto parts distributor for Advanced Auto Parts in Tipton and Anderson and retired in 2002 after more than 10 years of service. Prior to that, she worked for more than 15 years as the Deputy Clerk Treasurer for the Atlanta Water Department. She attended Elwood schools and later served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1955 to 1959. Shirley was a 1986 graduate of Ivy Tech College in Kokomo earning certification in automotive technology. She was a member of the Heartland Ministries Church in Sharpsville, the American Legion in Elwood, and the Tipton CB club. Shirley was an accomplished bowler and formerly bowled in numerous leagues in Elwood. She was also formerly a member of the Elwood Elks # 368. Shirley lived life to the fullest, and especially enjoyed attending the Elwood concerts in the park each summer. She loved chocolate, working crossword and word search puzzles, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Shirley's family includes son, Rick Allen (wife Tracy) Smith of Elwood; daughter, Lucina "Renee" (husband Tom) Carter of Elwood; 6 grandchildren, Nachelle Carter, Anthony Carter, Cory Carter, Bailey Carter, Lance Smith, and Erica Smith; brother, Ronald (wife Barbara) Hussong of Tipton; 2 great-grandchildren, Sarah Carter, and Karter Powell; and several nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters, Joyce Lineberry and Louise Carpenter; grandson, Kevin Carter; and granddaughter, Kaliegh Kelly.

A funeral service celebrating Shirley's life will be conducted at 1 PM on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Bill Salsbery of Heartland Church officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Elwood with military honors conducted by the U.S. military. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the funeral service on Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood American Legion through the funeral home. Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.