Shirley Jeannine Petro, 83, of Warsaw, went to Heaven Sept. 17, 2012.
She was born Sept. 11, 1929, in Fort Wayne, to Rosco and Eunice Henricks. On Sept. 25, 1948, in Kokomo, she married E.J. Petro, who died Dec. 10. 1999.
She grew up in Kokomo. Following high school graduation, she was an executive secretary at Chrysler Corporation, Kokomo. She and her family moved to Bettendorf, Iowa, for a number of years before moving back to Kokomo and then moved to Brea, Calif., for a few years before moving to Warsaw in 1988. Along with her husband, E.J., they started Petro Reporting Service and operated the court reporting business in Warsaw until the office was moved to Fort Wayne under the management of their son, Tim Petro. Petro Reporting continues in business still covering the Warsaw area from its home office in Fort Wayne.
She continued to reside in Warsaw until she joined her husband in Glory. She had the delight of celebrating her birthday with family around her less than one week before she went to Heaven.
She loved to play bridge and was actively involved with her bridge buddies until she encountered declining health and strength in recent years. She was personable, quick to laugh and witty.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Pam (and spouse Paul “Rafe”) Refior, Warsaw; a son, Tim (and spouse Sarah) Petro, Fort Wayne; four grandchildren: Nikki (and spouse Jonathan) Lambeth, LaFayette; Laura (and spouse Brian) White, Noblesville; Paul (and spouse Jen) Petro, Fishers; and Hannah Petro, Chicago, Ill.; and 11 great grandchildren: Luke, David and Stephen Lambeth; Karis, Jocelyn, Samuel, Nathan and Molly Jeannine White; and James, Samuel and Nina Petro; a sister-in-law, Carolyn (and spouse George) Howell, Greentown; and a brother, Maurice (and spouse Janet) Henricks, Kokomo.
The memorial service to celebrate her life and to honor the Lord will be at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Refior residence, 347 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw. A family burial service will be at Greentown Cemetery.
At her request, there will not be a calling.
Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials may be sent to Lakeland Child Evangelism Ministries, P.O. Box 612, Winona Lake, IN 46590
Condolences may be sent via redpathfruth@embarqmail.com
