Shirley E. Canaday

Shirley Ellen Canaday, 89, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023 in Warren, Indiana. She was born to the late Harold and Betty (Kring) Ruhl on September 22, 1934. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1952 and attended nursing school at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. She married the love of her life, Phillip Canaday, on September 7, 1957. They lived on Candlewood Drive in Marion for many of their adult years, surrounded by caring and loving neighbors, in a neighborhood that they loved.

They had a winter home at Mediterranean Manor in Dunedin, Florida enjoying time with friends and family, and sea shell hunting on Honeymoon Island. They moved to Heritage Pointe, in Waren, Indiana, in April of 2018.  She was a long time member of the First Friends Church in Marion, Indiana and the First United Methodist Church in Richmond, Indiana.

Shirley was a registered head nurse and spent most of her career at the VA Hospital in Marion, Indiana, retiring in 1989. She was passionate in her care for her long-term patients, going beyond the requirements of her position. She would plan events for her patients and was active in their lives.

Shirley and Phil had two other passions – antiques and dirt track racing. Phil and Shirley spent many weekends attending antique shows, both selling and acquiring antique glass ware and crystal. They made friends wherever they traveled. Shirley and Phil had many friends at Gas City Speedway where Shirley was supportive of Phil’s many hours of volunteer work at the track. For many years, their beloved pet, Lady, attended events with them.

Shirley is survived by her sisters Joyce (Ruhl) Higgins and Lois Jean (Ruhl) Johnston; 11 nephews; and 3 nieces. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Canaday; daughter, Catherine Ann Canaday; her parents, Harold and Betty (Kring) Ruhl; brother, Gayle Ruhl; a niece; and a nephew.

Arrangements for Shirley have been entrusted to College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4601 South Western Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953.  Services with be On Wednesday November 8, 2023  at 2:00 PM at College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Marion, Indiana. Calling is from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, immediately prior to the service. Burial is immediately following the service at Grant Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Society, American Cancer Society, Heritage Pointe, or Stillwater Hospice Indiana.

Online memories and condolences may be left at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.