Shirley Ann O'Laughlin

Shirley Ann O'Laughlin, age 87, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Valparaiso, Indiana. She was born on March 9, 1938, in Gary, Indiana, to Ralph and Irene (Bohling) Echterling. Shirley married James O'Laughlin on April 8, 1961, in St. Liborius Church, Steger, Illinois. Shirley was active in 4H and band in her youth. As her children were growing up, she was active sewing, as well as watching and coaching her daughters' sports. She enjoyed gardening and canning her entire life. She helped people as a Registered Nurse for more than 60 years.
Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Kellie (Manuel) Mallas and Colleen (Lt Col Jeff) Sterling; three sons, Sgt Kevin (Tracy) O'Laughlin, Dan (Michelle) O'Laughlin, and Lt Col Thomas "Tom" (Valerie) O'Laughlin; fifteen grandchildren, Lauren (Ed Werner) Mallas, Rachel (Jason) VanDyke, Maureen (Brandon Pott) Mallas, Natalie (Elliott) Lloyd, Mary Kate Sterling, Dr. Lindsay Sterling, CPT Emily (CPT Dan) Roberts, Ryan (Kayla) O'Laughlin, Conor (Leah) O'Laughlin, Calea O'Laughlin, Carter O'Laughlin, CPT Erin O'Laughlin, Kate O'Laughlin, Officer Trainee Tim (Hannah) O'Laughlin, and Dan O'Laughlin; as well as ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister. She is survived by one brother.
Shirley graduated from Crete Monee High School and nurses' training at Little Company of Mary Hospital.
Visitation for Shirley will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Edmonds and Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton. Nursing Honor Guard will be at 6:15pm and Prayer Service at 6:30pm.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N. Calumet Road, Chesterton, IN 46304, with Fr. Jon Plavcan and Fr. Jerry Schweitzer co-officiating.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com.