Obituaries

Shirley Ann Berfanger

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Shirley Ann Berfanger, 87, of New Castle, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on the evening of Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Stonebrooke Rehabilitation Center in New Castle.

She was born on July 2, 1937, at home in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, the daughter of the late William Itha and Bertha Viola (Phillips) Hicks.

Shirley graduated from Norman High School in Norman, Arkansas in 1955. She later traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana and worked for several companies. During this time, she met James Paul Berfanger at Lake Central Airlines, and they were married at Lynhurst Baptist Church in Indianapolis on August 30, 1957.

In 1965 they moved to New Castle and most recently she was an active member of the Cross Road Church and served in several different ministries. She was always ready to help other churches or families in need of dinners for family funerals.

Those left to cherish Shirley’s memory include two daughters, Terri M. (Jamey) Marcum of New Castle and Vicki L. Ankersen (Mark Day) of Carmel; five grandchildren, Keith (Eliza) Marcum, Alyssa Marcum (Bryan Harrison), Jennifer Steele (Hugo Sancen), Stine Ankersen (James Records) and Naya Ankersen (Patrick Stark); three great-grandchildren, Gwen Marcum, Fiona Marcum, Benji Sancen and a number of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, James P. “Jim” Berfanger; three sisters, Faye Elaine (Olen) Robbins, Alice Marie (Winfred) Hart, and Helen (Joe) Hays; a brother, Glenn Harold Hicks.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday February 3, 2025 at Sproles Family Funeral Home in New Castle with Pastor Danny Douglas officiating. Burial will follow in St. Anne Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 12 – 1 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be offered with Choose Henry Flex Fund through the Henry County Community Foundation, envelopes will be available at the funeral home or you can make a contribution through, www/henrycountycf.org.

You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.