Shirley A. (Alford) Zirkle, 88, of Fairmount, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on
Monday, September 2, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born on August 19, 1936, to the
late Leon and Mary (Rudicel) Alford. A proud graduate of Marion High School, Class of 1954,
Shirley married the love of her life, Ulric Zirkle, on February 26, 1955, and together they raised
five children.
Shirley was a hardworking woman who wore many hats throughout her life. She worked
cleaning houses, babysitting, and working at the Dime Store, Marion Glove Factory, Hills
Department Store, and mowing at County Line Trailer Court. Later in life, she fulfilled her
entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating C & S Kitchen at Round Robbins Bingo, where
she retired.
A devout Christian, Shirley faithfully attended Fairmount Wesleyan Church, where she was
known to faithfully give out as many hugs as possible. And also a part of Kids Hope. Her
kindness and joy were well known by all who met her. Shirley was known for her warm hugs, her
nurturing spirit as “everybody’s mom,” and her love for traveling to Branson, Missouri. She will
be remembered as a sweetheart—happy, outgoing, and always ready to spend time with her
children and grandchildren.
Her legacy of love and kindness lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched.
Shirley will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Shirley is survived by her children, Cathy (Craig) Sullivan of Fairmount, John (Jody) Zirkle of
Fairmount, Bill (Cindy) Zirkle of Fairmount, Bob Zirkle of Yorktown, and Eric (Heather) Zirkle of
Swayzee; grandchildren, Ryan Knipp, Jason (Deshae) Knipp, Cory (Shannon) Zirkle, Brandon
Zirkle, Jordan Zirkle, Braden Zirkle, Jacob Zirkle, Shelby (Jacob) Martin, Micah Zirkle, Sarah
Zirkle, and Erin Zirkle; 12 great grandchildren; sister-in-law’s, Barb Alford of Jonesboro and Joy
Alford of Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in passing by her parents, Leon and Mary Alford; husband, Ulric Zirkle;
siblings, Phyllis (Max) Philippe, Richard Alford, and Leon Alford Jr..
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration
Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 S. Main Street, Fairmount, IN 46928. A visitation
will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 3:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m.. A service will be held on
Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. A burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Fairmount,
Indiana.
Memorial contributions in remembrance of Shirley can be made out to Fairmount
Wesleyan “U R Welcome” Sunday School Class, 304 N. Walnut Street, Fairmount, IN 46928.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com
Friday, September 6, 2024
3:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services
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Saturday, September 7, 2024
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Park Cemetery
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