Shirley Jean Dake

Shirley Jean Dake 

April 29, 1954-March 21, 2025 

Shirley was born on a beautiful warm sunny Thursday in Louisville, KY. She grew up in the small country town of Pleasureville. At 15, she moved to New Albany where she graduated high school and beauty school in 1972. In July, 1974, while living in an apartment with her sisters, she met Joe. 2 weeks later, they were married in her mother’s front yard. 1 year and 7 days later, she gave birth to their little girl. Shirley loved to tell the story of how she was only in labor for an hour and a half but the nurse came in to tell her she better hurry up and have this baby or her sister was going to have cancer from chain smoking and her husband was going to have a heart attack from pacing a path into the floor. Shirley and Joe were married 50 years, 7 months, and 3 weeks before her passing. 

Being an Army wife, Shirley moved frequently. She worked many different jobs over the years. In 1991, she began a career with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. She retired in 2014 after 33 years of faithful service. 

Everyone who met her, loved her instantly. She had the most beautiful and sparkling hazel eyes, the smile of an angel, and a heart of pure gold. She enjoyed bowling, playing Euchre and Pinochle, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She loved animals, especially her beloved Lhasa Reggie (deceased), Pug Tobi (deceased), and Tibetan Lhasa Buddy (who will miss her terribly). 

Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She and her daughter would go Black Friday shopping, make cookies and fudge, and decorate the house until it looked like Santa’s. She had a shirt for everyday between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, without repeating, and the socks, earrings, and headband to match. She decorated for every season and holiday. 

She was a member of the Goldwing Road-riders Association. She was co-rider with JD on their red Honda Goldwing Trike. She always enjoyed going to the different rallies and weekly dinner rides. On February 19, 1991, she was initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star where she served as the starpoint Martha multiple years. 

Shirley always put others before herself, no matter the cost or the pain. She loved her family unconditionally and with all her heart and soul. Shirley was truly an angel sent by God to brighten the world. 

She will be remembered by so many, but, most of all, by her devoted husband Joe (JD), her loving daughter Melissa Marie (Lissa), and her favorite son-in-law Jimmy. 

She is survived by; JD Dake (husband) Lissa Marie Zettergren (daughter) Jimmy Zettergren (son-in-law) Suzie Jenkins (sister) Janet Newman (sister) Wayne Johnson (brother) Ruby Jo Dust and her husband Gerald (Dusty) (sister-in-law) Terri Mathews and her husband Sidney (Bus) (sister-in-law) Many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family 

She is preceded in death by Amanda Jo Dake (daughter/died at birth) William Monett Johnson (father) Norma Jean Mick (mother) Billy Johnson (brother) Toni Budd (sister) Debra Ann Golden (Sister) Marie Pierce (mother-in-law) Yuless Pierce (father-in-law) Richard Dake (brother-in-law) Rick Dake (nephew) David Dake (nephew) Jack Newman (brother-in-law).

Visitation will be held at Flanner Buchanan - Washington Park East (10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229) from 10 am - 2 pm, on April 11, 2025 with funeral services following. Pastor Daniel Payton will be presiding. A meal will be held at the McCordsville United Methodist Church (6247 West Broadway, McCordsville, Indiana, 46055 following funeral services). Burial will take place on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 1 pm at Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri (5201 South Southwood Road, Springfield, Missouri, 65804).