Shirley J. (nee Knowlton) Mendel passed away on Saturday, Aug, 20, 2022, at the age of 84.

She was born in Milan, Indiana, on Jan. 13, 1938, to Frank and Jeanette (nee Haase) Knowlton. Shirley married Donald “Dale” Mendel and together they were blessed with five children: Doug, Greg, Teresa, Diana, and Lori.

Family was the most important thing in Shirley’s life. She was the “fun” grandma always playing games like hide and seek, cards, or whatever the grandchildren wanted to play. Every wall in Shirley’s home proudly held pictures of her family. She also kept in close contact with her siblings, calling them weekly. Shirley also enjoyed rainbows, flowers, writing poems, and reading her Bible. If unable to attend her local church, she watched services online.

Those blessed with memories of Shirley include her loving husband: Donald “Dale” Mendel; beloved children: Doug Mendel, Greg Mendel, Teresa Hopkins, Diana (Don) Barnett, and Lori (Deron) Beebe; adored grandchildren: Rachel (Richard) Martin, Amy Hopkins, Tyler Mendel, Nathan (Kayla) Leonard, Paige Mendel, Bailey Beebe, Brooke (Nick) Terrell, Brandon Beebe, Josh Barnett, Alyssa Beebe; great–grandchildren: Paisley and Laci Leonard, Brayden Hook, Emma Martin, and Kaylen (Corey) May; one great–great–grandchild on the way; siblings: Roger (Jane) Knowlton, Marjorie (the late Eddie) Demaree, Russell (the late Janet) Knowlton, Kenneth (Terri) Knowlton, and Kathleen (the late George) Morgan; brother-in-law: Charles (Jackie) Mendel.

Shirley was preceded in death by her granddaughter Stephanie Mendel; brothers-in-law Paul Mendel and Ralph Mendel.

Services were entrusted to Brater Winter Funeral Home, Harrison.  

Memorial donations may be made to Brater Winter Funeral Home to help with funeral costs.