Shirley J. Hettinger, 87, of Winamac, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, at Hickory Creek in Winamac.

She was born on Dec. 4, 1935, in McClure, Ohio. Shirley was the youngest of three daughters born to the late Rev. Arthur and Lera (Kinder) Wenner. The family made their home in several Ohio communities as they followed along with Arthur's various pastoral duties. In the early 1950s, the Wenner family settled in Royal Center, Indiana.

After his return from service in the U.S. Navy, Shirley met Paul E. Hettinger from Star City, Indiana. They wed on June 26, 1954, in Winamac. Shirley was a current member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Winamac. Through the years, she was active in various area churches, where she taught Bible School, played the piano, sang in the choir and led youth group. She enjoyed spreading the Gospel and attending tent revivals.

Shirley was a proud homemaker who loved cooking, baking and sewing, as well as being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was also a very successful Avon representative in the 1970s. Shirley loved animals, especially cats and kittens. She was a devoted volunteer at the Pulaski Health Care Center and Hickory Creek for many years. Shirley will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband, Paul E. Hettinger of Winamac; her daughter, Lera (Paul) Mayer of Winamac; her son, Paul A. (Michelle) Hettinger of Winamac; her grandchildren, Shirley Good, David (Jenny) Mayer, Paul T. (Mary) Hettinger, Kyle Hettinger and Miranda "Mandi" Hettinger; her great-grandchildren, Lera (Jax) Jewell, Caleb Good, Aliya Mayer, Noah Mayer, and Mason Hettinger; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. Arthur and Lera (Kinder) Wenner; and her two sisters, Mona Shumaker and Meredith Dewitt. Private Services will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Private Burial will take place at Bell Center Cemetery in Bell Center, Indiana. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center, or the Pulaski County Public Library. Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, Indiana.