Shirley Ols

Shirley Marie Ols, 76 passed away quietly on December 25, 2018. She is survived by her loving husband Dean Ols. Children Sue (Jim) McNamara, Amy (Mark) Kezy, Deana (Mike) Hecht and Chris (Rhea) Ols. Grandchildren Cristina and Liz McNamara, Natalle, Gina and Nadia Kezy, Alexandra, Kristen, Olivia and Amelia Hecht, and Ava Ols. Shirley is also survived by many nieces and nephews, their children and her brother-in-law, Ken Heinemann.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Bethel and Vera Brandenburg, sister Barbara Buckmaster, daughter Donna Heinemann and grandson Jacob Hecht.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in her memory to NWI Parkinsons, Inc. 2927 Jewett Avenue, Highland, IN 46322. Proceedings will be private as she requested.

Shirley Marie Ols was a wife, mother, step-mother, and friend, yet her most cherished role was being a grandmother to ten granddaughters and one grandson who precedes her in death. Opinionated thoughts, a strong-willed spirit, and a resounding lovingness were all expressed in the woman with the tiny stature. She was shorter than the majority of her family members, a fact constantly reiterated every time her grandchildren came to visit, yet her love knew no bounds. Shirley Ols was a woman who knew what she wanted and was not afraid to voice her thoughts to anyone. Until the end, one look from Shirley would tell you everything you needed to know about what she was thinking, and that look was unquestionable.

Loving wife to Dean Ols, Shirley brought so much to his life. Partners in everything, they were never without each other. They were there for one another through good times as well as bad. Through surgeries, cancer, and life-altering diagnoses, Shirley and Dean were there, side by side. On their trips to Michigan, Sherman’s banana splits were no match for the couple, although Shirley let Dean have the majority of the delicious ice cream. She was always around for Dean whenever he needed her, inspiring the family to achieve a love like theirs one day.

When it came to being a grandmother, Shirley had no greater joy. She taught her grandchildren that the correct way to put a straw in a can of soda was through the tab so the straw did not drift upwards. She showed us that puzzles were fun ways to pass the time and provided Polly Pocket dolls for playtime at grandma and grandpa’s house. Tom and Jerry DVDs were always playing and ice cream and brownies were always provided. Most significantly, Shirley taught her grandchildren the most vital lesson there is: supporting one’s family is the most important thing you can ever do. Grandma Shirley went to great lengths to prove her eagerness to be surrounded by her family as much as possible. She and Grandpa followed their grandkids all over the country (and in one instance to Germany), to share the memories of a lifetime. Planning meals thoroughly to ensure everyone was fed and surprising her grandchildren with giant marshmallows for s’mores was her forte. It was never a dull vacation when Grandma was around to share in the fun.

Even closer to home, every marching band competition, cheer meet, softball or basketball game, concert, graduation, or birthday party was a priority, and Grandma Ols was always there to provide loving support. No feat of her grandchildren was too small to celebrate. Every accomplishment was met with a hug and the exclamation, “That’s fantastic!” Every mistake was met with a hug and a reminder that she was in our corner. Nothing escaped Grandma Ols, good or bad.

With the loss of Grandma Shirley comes the realization that the love she had for her family will have to be carried on by her remaining loved ones. Straws will be forever put through the tab on the top of soda cans and the Polly Pocket dolls lovingly picked out and purchased by her will always hold a special place on our shelves. Accomplishments will forever be heralded with “Fantastic” by her family members in her memory. Lovingly, we will remember the laughs, hugs, and memories shared with our beloved grandma. For all the grandchildren and all the family members, I say, “We love you, Grandma.”

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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