Merlin Faye Shine

Merlin Faye Shine, 70, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on December 30, 2023. Merlin was born to the late Sherman & Virginia Sims on July 13, 1953, in Franklin, Indiana. Merlin graduated from Whiteland High School and went on to be quite an entrepreneur. Merlin owned and operated her own residential cleaning business and was also a successful real estate agent in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. She married the love of her life, Thomas E. Shine, on November 10, 1983. Merlin loved children and could often be found mothering not only her own children, but many of the neighborhood children as well. She loved nothing more than watching her grandbabies and spending time with them whenever she had the opportunity. Merlin loved spending time with her girlfriends and was always up for the silly shenanigans that came along with their strong and loving relationships. Merlin loved all animals, and was extremely fond of her Golden Retriever, Koby.

Merlin is survived by her children; Dan (Stacee) Church Jr. and Brittany (Ryan) Clark, grandchildren; Austin (Taylor) Church, Vera Rain Clark, Ella Cross and James & Nicholas Walsh, great-granddaughter; Baker Church and siblings; Carolyn (James) Sears and Leonard (Lana) Sims.

Merlin is preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years; Thomas E. Shine.

Merlin’s Life Celebration® visitation will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.  A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Burial will be immediately following at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis.

Please visit www.OrileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.