Shirley Fowler

Shirley Fowler, age 90, of DeMotte, Indiana, peacefully passed away on October 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 28, 1935, to the late Bartie and Dorothy Robinson.

Growing up in Arkansas, Shirley picked cotton for her first job and later worked the soda fountain at Hook’s Drug Store in Indianapolis, where she enjoyed serving Green Rivers and root beer floats. She married Billy Fowler on April 11, 1953, in Augusta, Arkansas, and together they shared 61 years of marriage before his passing in 2014. She went on to attend beauty school and worked in a salon before joining the assembly line at Land O’ Frost. Shirley spent many years as a stay-at-home mom until Billy retired from the steel mill, and together they later owned and operated two fish markets in Gary, Indiana.

Shirley is survived by her children, Kim Fowler, Randy (Mary) Fowler, Roger (Terri) Fowler, Brad Fowler, and Tabetha (Rich) Heemstra; her sisters, Joyce Adcock and Wanda Ward; as well as many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant son Denny, her parents Bartie and Dorothy Robinson, and her husband Billy Fowler.

Shirley could usually be found with a glass of Pepsi in one hand and a deck of cards in the other. She loved to play cards with anyone brave enough to sit across from her - though most quickly learned she rarely lost. Those who knew her best will remember her quick wit, strong will, and uncanny ability to win nearly every round of Concentration Rummy and Dirty Marbles. She also enjoyed reading, watching her favorite game shows, and listening to old-school country music.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 a.m. CST at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleiniman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, Indiana, 46322 followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor John Hill officiating. A private entombment will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana at a later date.

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

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