Shirley A. Waggoner

Shirley Waggoner went home to her Lord on May 4, 2024. She spent her final days in her home surrounded by her beloved husband, Bernard, and her devoted family.
Shirley was born in North Liberty, Indiana on September 11,1931 to Mary Alice and Henry Ross Myers and spent her life in the South Bend area. She was one of twelve children, six girls and six boys altogether, a built-in group of 'friends' with their eventual extended families whom she cherished all her life. They all loved sharing tales of the old days of life on their farm during the Great Depression.
She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1949 and shortly thereafter met the love of her life, Bernie at age 17, and it was love at first sight. They were married when they were both 19 years old, only a month apart in age, at Holy Cross Church in South Bend on October 21, 1950. The two 'lovebirds' took on the world together, enjoying dancing, bowling, traveling, nature walks, and just holding hands throughout their entire life together. They truly lived their best life to the fullest, and even on their last day together their love remained as strong as when they first met. They were the ultimate role model for the ideal marriage.
Shirley and Bernie began building their family, welcoming Debra, Bruce, and Dawn into their lives and filling their home with love, laughter and cherished memories. She and Bernie tended to the home they had purchased in1953 and where they lived their entire married life.
Shirley was thrilled to become a grandmother and delighted in spoiling all eight of them with special treats along with her world-famous sugar cookies, making each grandchild feel uniquely loved. She left them with so many loving memories over the years.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and ten of her eleven siblings. She is survived by her husband Bernard; children Debra (Jim, deceased) Waggoner Kruger, Bruce (Mary, deceased) Waggoner, and Dawn Waggoner; grandchildren Richard, David, Jordan, Daniel, Melanie, Jeremy, Jane, and Andrew; seven great grandchildren and her brother, Jack Myers. Each of them already misses her greatly.
She has always been an inspiration to so many people. In her early years she began practicing Yoga and inspired friends and family to join in with her. Always conscience of fitness and good nutrition, she raised her children to follow her healthy lifestyle. As a lifelong devout Christian, she spent years studying the Bible and began each day with her devotions and prayers and was likely responsible for a miracle or two.
The family would like to thank the dedicated Caring Cove Hospice staff for their compassionate help in making Shirley feel comfortable in her time of need.
Family and friends will be celebrating her incredible life this week, but sweet memories of her will live on in their hearts for all eternity.
Visitation to be held Thursday, May 9th from 4 – 8pm at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 North Bendix Drive, South Bend IN 46628. Funeral Service Friday, May 10th at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, South Bend, IN.
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