March 11, 1940 – October 20, 2018
Shirley Ann (Cook) Fahrenkamp, 78, passed away October 20, 2018 at her home in Noblesville. Her hard-fought battle with cancer ended with her family by her bedside.
Born March 11, 1940 in Lafayette to Edward and Livona (Dickerson) Cook, the family established their permanent residence in Noblesville where she attended Federal Hill and 3rd Ward prior to graduating from Noblesville High School in 1958. Along the way she met her lifelong partner and husband of 58 years, Larry Fahrenkamp, and became a lifetime Miller fan for which she was loudly proud of her “Honeycomb Miller” days.
Their marriage was blessed with four daughters and nine grandchildren. Daughters are Denise Stephens (Anthony Wilson), Rene (Terry) May, Michelle (William) Retherford, Noblesville, and Nicole (Jay) Geise, Fishers. Grandchildren are Nathan (Alaina) Stephens, Conner and Savannah May, Dylan and Mary Grace Retherford, and Alexander, Jordan and Mackenzie Geise. She is proceeded in death by her parents; brother, Eddie Cook; sister-in-law, Suzanne (Fahrenkamp) Snelling; and grandson, Brandon May.
In addition are her loving sisters, Sharon (Steve) Vaughn, Sandy (Kenny) Laux, Sara (Bill) Osborne and sister-in-law, Ritabeth (Jerry) Baker. Shirley was extremely proud of her nine nieces, three nephews, five great-nieces, 12 great-nephews, four great-great-nieces and six great-great-nephews. Family get-togethers were always cherished and were part of her most prized memories.
As a mom, Shirley was always the biggest fan, cheerleader and referee of her daughters. She lovingly encouraged her daughters to compete in all aspects of their academic careers; watching them become academic leaders, successful marching band musicians and wave-making swimmers. Shirley also assisted in creating female sports programs in Noblesville and was a founding member of women’s softball.
After raising her children, Shirley wasn’t finished in her pursuits to advocate for her much loved Noblesville community. She mustered her grandchildren into their own athletic endeavors. Shirley could always be seen behind the wheel of her big, yellow Hummer, proudly bussing family members to and from their many events. Her voice could always be heard along the Noblesville sidelines. She was always in the stands loudly encouraging her family with her words and cowbell. That never altered even when the schools changed to universities. She continued to wear her much loved black and gold as she fervently supported her Boilermakers.
Shirley was a lady of flamboyant personality and strict principles, a unique combination that served her well as the motivating force behind her husband’s successful business. Further, she established her own local real estate rental business that continues to this day. Her mission was to help her family and help families like hers in pursuing their Noblesville dreams.
Her greatest and everlasting legacy for all that knew her will be her dedication to her family and friends. Shirley did not know a stranger and had deep, sincere concern for the well-being of each member in her community. She will be deeply missed by many.
Her family would like to thank all the friends and neighbors who have been so kind and generous with their help and prayers during this time.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 26, 2018 and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, 1150 Logan St., Noblesville. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville following services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, 1700 Conner St., Noblesville, IN 46060; or The Autism Society of Indiana, 1800 N. Meridian St., Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
Condolences: randallroberts.com
Arrangements
Calling: 4 to 8 p.m., Oct. 26; 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 27
Service: 11 a.m., Oct. 27
Location: Randall & Roberts Funeral Home
Condolences: randallroberts.com