June Joan Shively

June Joan Shively, 96, of rural Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 9:49 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, at her home. She was born on July 1, 1929, in Noble County, Indiana, a daughter of the late Wilmer J. and Mae I. (Bonar) Rarick. Growing up at Big Lake, she graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1947. She continued her education at the Beauty College, Fort Wayne, where she earned a cosmetology license. From an early age, June developed a good work ethic, weeding the mint fields and harvesting the onion fields. She took a summer job at Blue Bell, Columbia City, sewing blue jeans. On December 9, 1950, she was united in marriage to Dallas Leon Shively, beginning a sixty-two-year journey together, raising six children. The couple has always made their home on a farm in Thorncreek Twp., Whitley County. Dallas died on March 17, 2013. In 1956, the couple built and opened the Wolf Lake Feed and Farm Supply, located south of Wolf Lake, where she maintained the books and was a co-owner. In 1983, they bought Farmers Grain & Feed in Columbia City, where she became the corporate secretary. In 1985, they acquired Farmers Grain of Maxwell, and in 1989, she became a joint owner in Plastics Network, Columbia City. Growing up in the Wolf Lake Baptist Church, she became a member of the Blue River Church of the Brethren in 1950, now the Blue River Covenant Brethren Church, volunteering her time to the various activities and committees of the church. The family matriarch loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always attended their sports and extracurricular activities. Christmas was her special holiday gathering, bringing all the kids to her home for the joyous occasion. Living on the farm, she made great pies and froze strawberries and fresh corn for use throughout the year. She enjoyed the North Carolina beaches and collecting seashells. As her mobility diminished, she liked to crochet and work word search puzzles. Surviving are her children, Jerel (Deborah) Shively of Columbia City, Connie Dye of Fort Wayne, Terry (Jill) Shively of Columbia City, Dennis (Ruth Ann) Shively of Columbia City, Mark (Lori) Shively of Albion, and Teresa Perry of Columbia City; 26 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren, and one expected. Additionally, she was preceded in death by siblings, Paul Boner, Bill Rarick, and Frances McGlocklin. The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Tuesday (August 26th) at the Blue River Covenant Brethren Church, 3040 E 700 N, Columbia City, IN. Burial is beside her husband at the Christian Chapel Cemetery in Merriam. Visitation is 3 to 8 p.m. Monday (August 25th) at the church and 1 hour before the service on Tuesday. Memorials in June's honor are to the Blue River Covenant Brethren Church.