Shirley Ann Rist

Shirley Ann Rist, 89, of South Bend, IN passed away at 2:40am on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, in Wellbrooke of South Bend.
Shirley was born in Covington, KY as the daughter of the late Elwood and Divona (Schaefer) Schneider and had lived in South Bend since 1961.
Shirley was preceded in death by sons, James Robert Rist and Jerome Michael Rist; daughter, Ronda Wendt; grandson, Dalton Wendt and brother Elwood Schneider.
Shirley is survived by son, John Joseph Rist; daughter-in-law, Deborah Rist, brother Ronald (Mary) Schneider, sister-in-law, Patricia Schneider; grandchildren, Casey (Sarah) Rist, Cory (Liz) Rist, Chad (Katie) Rist, Glory Wendt, Jennifer Rist and Robbie Rist; great-grandchildren, Colin, Dominic, Bayla and Emma.
Shirley was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka. She was a member of Sweet Adalines in the 60s and volunteered/ushered at the Morris Performing Arts Center, was a Firefly volunteer, Girl & Boy Scout Leader, and a Rosary Society Member.
After divorcing in the late 60s, Shirley raised her four children as a loving, hard-working, single mother as well as being the part-time mother to many of her children's friends. She was a cook and chef at Notre Dame before she was a social worker at Family Children's Center. She was a chef at both the Holiday Inn and Ramada Inn as well as a cook at the Westville prison and South Bend Work Release Center. After retiring at 63 Shirley returned to work for several more years at the Juvenile Justice Center.
Shirley loved the outdoors, her plants and flowers, and animals of all kinds. She was constantly referred to as a sweetheart by those who helped care for her late in life. She will be missed!
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society. No services are planned as of yet.
Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
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