MARCIA JEAN SHIRK

Marcia Jean Shirk, age 71, of Columbia City, IN died at 7:48 a.m. Saturday, December 1, 2007 at Millers Merry Manor, Inc., Columbia City, IN. Born in Fort Wayne, IN on September 5, 1936, she was the daughter of Joseph and Catherine Helene (Compton) Hildebrand.

Ms. Shirk was raised in Columbia City where she graduated with the Class of 1954 from Columbia City High School. She lived in various Indiana cities, Pierceton, Union City, Decatur, Bargersville and Portland, returning to Columbia City in 1995. She was formerly employed by Lincoln Life Company, Fort Wayne, IN, Chamberlain Products, South Whitley, IN, Lady Children Apparel, Dr. Jack Cates, Dr. David Fullenkamp and Fishers Packing, Portland, IN, Dr. Donald Richey and Wal-Mart Super Store both in Columbia City, IN. She was raised in the Lutheran Church.

Survivors include a nephew, Jim (Angie) Hildebrand of Columbia City; 2 nieces, Carrie Gates of Columbia City and Debbie (Steve) Gee of Plainfield, IN. She was preceded in death by her parents, and son, Bradley A. Shirk, brother, Jon Hildebrand, and sister-in-law, Rita Hildebrand.

Visitation is 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at Green Park Cemetery, Portland, IN with Pastor Mark Need officiating. Memorials may be given in memory of Ms. Shirk to Portland Communtiy Foundation in memory of Bradley Brad A. Shirk or the Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences, sign the guest register or to light a memorial candle, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com .