Shirley Jane Crone of Batesville, IN passed away at age 81 on Friday June 3, 2016. She was staying near family in Normal, IL and succumbed to respiratory complications after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born May 25, 1935 in Delphi, IN she was the daughter of Gertrude (née Hylton) and Milton Bowman. Prominent in the agricultural community, both proceeded her in death. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Jerry L. Crone on June 30, 1956. They were enjoying retirement in their dream home until his passing, September 29, 2011.

Shirley is survived by her only sister, Jean Swanson (Colville, WA); her 3 sons Mark D. (with wife Marlene), Thomas E. (with wife Nancy), Brian L., her 7 grandchildren, Wade and Kelly (Mark’s) Samuel and Alexandra (Tom’s) Shawn, Tyler and Kyle (Brian’s); her 3 great-grandchildren Danalynn (Wade’s), Grayson and Lydia (Tyler with wife Brittany).

A graduate of Delphi High School, she attended Purdue University. We're she was selected to the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Moving with her husband, she completed her college education at U.C.L.A. She dedicated her life to caring for her husband and 3 sons, while remaining very active in the community.

She was always involved in her children's educational and sporting endeavors. From PTA to fundraising to scorekeeping little league or timing at swim meets, she could be heard rooting for their success at every turn. She continued these efforts, as long as possible, in her grandchildren's lives, as well.

Her great love of nature extended from farm living as that energy was reflected in many physical activities: golfing, bike riding, evening walks, feeding assorted wildlife and avid gardening filled her days. If she was not outdoors, she stayed busy playing cards and board games with family and her social circles. She was very proud to have equalled her husband’s critical achievement of a “Hole-In-One” on their local country club course.

In her quieter times, Shirley often assembled intricate puzzles. She was an accomplished master of a multitude of handicrafts such as making and/or sewing clothing, crocheting, knitting and needlepoint. Through her creative hobbies, she has left numerous priceless heirlooms to be handed down throughout all family members as a part of her legacy. She will forever be remembered most for her quick wit and wry sense of humor.

There is not an open visitation planned. The family will entertain a “Celebration of Her Life” at a time and place yet to be determined. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.never-gone.com. In condolence, we encourage all to sign the guestbook and share as many of your favorite memories or photos as possible. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests efforts be directed to: “The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Research” at www.michaeljfox.org