Shirley Joan Pickford

Shirley Joan Pickford, 90, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away Thursday morning, May 7, 2026, at her residence.

She was born on October 27, 1935, in Decatur, Indiana, to the late Nile and Mable (Burkhead) Butler.

Shirley was united in marriage to Donald R. Pickford on March 20, 1954, and they were married for 64 years before Don’s passing on September 12, 2018.

She was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Decatur and a member of the Moose in Decatur.

Shirley began working for US Rubber Company in Fort Wayne, Indiana, until it closed in 1958, and she transitioned to Gilpin’s. She then retired from Fleetwood after 20 years of service.

She was very involved in the Decatur Girls Softball League for many years. Shirley was an original board member for the Decatur Girls Softball League in addition to coaching for many years. Shirley stayed active in bowling and participated in many tournaments.

Survivors include her daughter, Tonja (Douglas) Anweiler of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Lequetta (Bill) Hamrick of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Joletta “Jody” (Jim) Jones of Decatur, Indiana; sister, Kay (Tony) Bidwell of Fort Wayne, Indiana; nine grandchildren; Jessica (Andy) Lee, Donald Myers, Lindsey (Nick) Irwin, Casey Hamrick, Orey (Esther) Hamrick, Annie (Jared) Pickford, Haylee (Caleb) Holman, Kermit Buckingham, and Sam Buckingham; and twelve great-grandchildren, Audrey (Seth) Anderson, Justin Lee, Logan Myers, Addilyn, Molly, and Bentley Irwin, Braiden and Aubree Smith, and Titus, Liam, and Joelle Holman.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Taylor Pickford; a great-grandson, Jaden Myers; a sister, Marjorie Reed; and two brothers, Bill and Ben Butler.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Pastor Allen Kahler officiating. Burial will follow in Decatur Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, and from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. 

Preferred memorials can be given to Heartland Hospice or Zion United Church of Christ.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home of Decatur, Indiana.