Shelby Jean Stump

Shelby Jean Stump, 83, of South Whitley, passed away at 5:25 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at her home. Born on November 14, 1941, in Columbia City, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Edward Allison Walker and Edith Fay (Coverstone) Walker. Growing up in South Whitley, she graduated from South Whitley High School in 1959. On August 6, 1960, she married Ronald L. Hilligoss. They made their home in South Whitley, raising two children. Ronald died on September 4, 2004. On March 22, 2008, she married Thomas J. Stump. He died on October 22, 2011. After her children were raised, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) at Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia City. She retired in 2009 with over 25 years of service. She loved to travel throughout the states, making an annual trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where she enjoyed hiking. She adored time with family and the grandkids. During her alone time, she listened to Christian and country music. She leaves behind her cat, Beau. She was a long-time member of the Collamer Church of God. Surviving are her daughter, Tracey (Ron) Stephens of South Whitley; grandchildren, April Hilligoss, Devin (Elizabeth) Stephens, and Kenley (Schyler) Fugate; and siblings, Carol (Bill) Harter and Terry (Ann) Walker, both of South Whitley. Additionally, she was preceded in death by a son, Bryon Hilligoss, and an infant son, Brad Hilligoss. The funeral service is at 12 noon on Monday (Nov 3rd) at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the service Monday at the funeral home. Memorials in Shelby's honor are to the Collamer Church of God.