Shirley Jean Townsend, 85, Warsaw, passed away at 3:40 p.m. Nov. 4, 2014, at her residence after a short illness. She was born Nov. 23, 1928, in Loup City, Neb., to William “Ray” and Mary Rosetta Whiting Wooden. On May 5, 1947, in Fremont, Neb., she married John Allen Townsend Jr., who died Feb. 29, 1992. She was the sixth of seven children, and grew up during the Depression. She attended country schools as a child, but before graduating she moved to Omaha, Neb., to live with her sister’s family. She completed her high school education with the 1973 graduating class of Coldwater (Mich.) High School. One day, when riding the bus back home to her sister’s near Offutt AFB, Neb., a soldier just home from the war heard her laughing over a comic book. This soldier, John Allen Townsend, Jr., became her husband. She lived in Warsaw since 1992, moving from Coldwater. Prior to their life in Coldwater, and after marrying John, he re-joined the Air Force, making her a military wife. She followed him all over the world to places like Germany, France and the Philippines. They settled in Coldwater in the late ’60s after he retired from the Air Force. After moving to Omaha, she worked in a drug store. After her children were older, she worked at J.C. Penney from 1974 to 1989. She was active at the Warsaw senior center, and was a homemaker. She enjoyed reading, baking and gardening. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving are four children: John Allen Townsend III, Indianapolis; Warren Charles (and spouse Cynthia) Townsend, Trenton, Mich.; Sandra June (and spouse Brad Waldrom) Townsend, Chicago, Ill.; Kathleen Townsend (and spouse Eric) Shafer, Warsaw; eight grandchildren: Jennifer Townsend; Matthew (and spouse Shelley) Pierson; Jessica Pierson Whitaker; Tyler (and spouse Jessica) Pierson; Elizabeth Townsend Hayes; Sarah (and spouse Sean) French; Laura (and spouse Rob) Lichy; 17 great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Taffy. She was also preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and one sister. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw, with Pastor Bob Jarboe, Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice chaplain, officiating. Burial is in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Mich. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, P.O. Box 1906, Warsaw, IN 46581-1906. Condolences may be sent via www.titusfuneralhome.com
