Shirley A. Young, age 84, of Plymouth, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026. Though quiet by nature, Shirley leaves behind a presence that will be felt forever by those who were blessed enough to truly know her. Her life was one of devotion, resilience, humor, and a love that ran far deeper than words.

Shirley was born on April 30, 1941, in Plymouth, Indiana, to Ralph K. Gill, Sr. and Mabel Alice (Matchett) Gill. She spent her life rooted in the community she loved, surrounded by family, familiar places, and memories that shaped who she became. From an early age, Shirley learned the value of hard work, loyalty, and caring deeply for those around her—qualities that defined her throughout her life.

On April 18, 1961, in Mishawaka, Indiana, Shirley married the love of her life, Jimmie T. Young. Their marriage was one of true partnership, built on love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Together they shared countless memories and a bond that only deepened over time. Jimmie remained the center of Shirley's heart until his passing on April 22, 2010. Even after his death, her love for him never faded; it lived on in her stories, her quiet moments, and the life they built together.

Shirley was a very private and personal person, someone who didn't need the spotlight to shine. She valued genuine connection and kept her circle small, but to those within it, she gave her whole heart. Shirley had a special way of showing love—often by teasing, giving you a hard time, or delivering a perfectly timed joke. If she teased you, you knew you were loved. And if you were lucky enough to hear her say, "I love you," you knew you had truly made it into her inner circle.

She loved to share memories, laugh with close friends, and reminisce about the past. Shirley especially enjoyed watching cowboy movies on television—so many of them that she could tell you exactly how they would end, often before the final scene arrived. Sitting with her while she watched those movies, listening to her commentary and laughter, are moments that will be treasured forever.

One of Shirley's greatest joys in life was her love for animals. She loved all animals—cats, dogs, and wildlife alike—and her compassion for them was endless. Her gentle heart found comfort in caring for animals, and it reflected the kindness she carried within her every day.

Above all else, Shirley loved her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a steady, dependable presence. Her love for her daughter, Sandra K. Young, was boundless and unconditional. Sandra's passing on May 4, 2023, left a deep ache in Shirley's heart, one she carried quietly and bravely. Despite that loss, she continued to show strength, grace, and love for those around her.

Shirley will be remembered as a hard worker who never asked for recognition, a loving mother who gave endlessly, a good wife who remained devoted beyond measure, and a loyal friend who stood by those she cared about. She was the kind of person whose love didn't need to be loud—it was steady, sincere, and lasting.

Shirley is already missed more than words can express. We miss everything about her—the quiet moments, the laughter, the teasing, the stories, the love. She was a great friend, a steady presence, and a soul who made life better simply by being in it. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and her love will continue to guide us.

Shirley A. Young was deeply loved, fiercely missed, and will never be forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Jimmie T. Young; her daughter, Sandra K. Young; and her siblings, Ralph K. (Harriet) Gill, Richard Arnold Gill, Betty Jean Gill, Betty Jean Gill-Penrod, and Mary Ellen Gill-Foos.

Shirley is survived by her loving siblings, Jimmy (Maureen) Gill and Carol Sue (Fred) Smith; her 19 nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and her close family friends, Ron and Diane Babbs, who cared for her every day with deep love and devotion, not just as caregivers but as cherished friends and family.

Memorial contributions in Shirley's honor may be made to Pet Refuge, 4626 S. Burnett Drive, South Bend, Indiana 46614, a fitting tribute to her lifelong love for animals.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on January 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, Indiana 46561. A graveside service will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, with burial to take place immediately thereafter.

To leave a message of comfort, share a memory, or honor Shirley's life, please visit chapelhillmemorial.com.