Shirley Ann Helmke , 90, formerly of Big Lake, died peacefully at 7:06 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester, where she had been a resident since February.

Born on January 18, 1935, in Allen County, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Ray Taylor Harding and Anna (Bobay) Harding.  Growing up in Fort Wayne, completed St. John Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church Elementary School and graduated from South Side High School in 1952.

On March 1, 1952, she married Howard Erwin Helmke, beginning their 69-year journey together, raising five children.  They made their first home in Fort Wayne, then moved to a farm south of Columbia City. After retirement, the couple moved to Shallotte, NC.  In 1999, the couple moved to Big Lake, Noble County. Howard died on April 22, 2021.

In addition to being a homemaker, Shirley worked as an assistant Vice President for First Federal Savings and Loan in Fort Wayne from 1965 to 1988.

Shirley was an accomplished quilter and liked to make woven rugs. She enjoyed playing golf and living at the lake; she also enjoyed fishing.  An avid reader, she read the daily newspaper, subscribed to several monthly magazines, and read mysteries.  She hosted family gatherings at the holidays and is remembered for her Christmas cookies.

Surviving are her children, Gregory L. (Judy Ashby) Helmke of Columbia City, LuAnn Unrue of Indianapolis, Dawn M. Cory of Columbia City, and Rebecca L. (Jeffry) Chapman of Greenfield; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a son, Alan Helmke; brothers, Richard and Kenneth Harding; and sisters, Gloria Brown and Patricia Ivins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.