June Shively

COLUMBIA CITY - June Joan Shively, 96, of rural Columbia City, Indiana, died peacefully in the company of family on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at her home.

She was born on July 1, 1929, in Noble County, Indiana, a daughter of the late Wilmer J. and Mae I. (Bonar) Rarick.

Growing up at Big Lake, she graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1947. She continued her education at the Beauty College, Fort Wayne, where she earned a cosmetology license.

From an early age, June developed a good work ethic, weeding the mint fields and harvesting the onion fields. She took a summer job at Blue Bell, Columbia City, sewing blue jeans.

On Dec. 9, 1950, she was united in marriage to Dallas Leon Shively, beginning a 62-year journey together, raising six children. The couple have always made their home on a farm in Thorncreek Township, Whitley County. Dallas died on March 17, 2013.

In 1956, the couple built and opened the Wolf Lake Feed and Farm Supply, located south of Wolf Lake, where she maintained the books and was a co-owner. In 1983, they bought Farmers Grain & Feed in Columbia City, where she became the corporate secretary. In 1985, they acquired Farmers Grain of Maxwell, and in 1989, she became a joint owner in Plastics Network, Columbia City.

Growing up in Wolf Lake Baptist Church, she became a member of Blue River Church of the Brethren in 1950, now Blue River Covenant Brethren Church, volunteering her time to the various activities and committees of the church.

The family matriarch loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always attended their sports and extracurricular activities. Christmas was her special holiday gathering, bringing all the kids to her home for the joyous occasion. Living on the farm, she made great pies and froze strawberries and fresh corn for use throughout the year.

She enjoyed North Carolina beaches and collecting seashells. As her mobility diminished, she liked to crochet and work word search puzzles.

Surviving are her children, Jerel (Deborah) Shively, of Columbia City, Connie Dye, of Fort Wayne, Terry (Jill) Shively, of Columbia City, Dennis (Ruth Ann) Shively, of Columbia City, Mark (Lori) Shively, of Albion and Teresa Perry, of Columbia City; 26 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren, and one expected.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by siblings, Paul Boner, Bill Rarick and Frances McGlocklin.

The funeral service was held at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at Blue River Covenant Brethren Church, 3040 E. C.R. 700N, Columbia City, Indiana.

Burial is beside her husband at Christian Chapel Cemetery in Merriam.

Memorials in June's honor are to Blue River Covenant Brethren Church.

Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.