Kathryn L. Shirley-Koehl

Kathryn Louise Chambers Shirley Koehl, 92, passed away January 31st, 2022, at the age of 92 in her hometown of Bloomington, Indiana. She was born November 24, 1929, in Smithville, Indiana to John Chambers and Olive Hays Chambers. She was retired from Indiana University.

A proud alumnus of Smithville High School, Kathryn worked as the Office Manager at the Bloomington First Baptist Church/United Church of Christ. Later, she oversaw the Freshmen Chemistry Office for Indiana University. Kathryn was a dedicated of member (Iota Chapter) and Grand President (1972-1973) of the Kappa Kappa Sigma Sorority. She was also a member of the Bloomington Chapter of the Red Hat Society.

Kathryn was married to her first husband, Richard Shirley, for 25 years. Kathryn was an Auxiliary member of the American Legion, where she enjoyed socializing many Friday nights. Kathryn also enjoyed dancing, and it was while taking dance lessons that she met her second husband, Joe Koehl, to whom she was married for 24 years.

Kathryn was a long-time resident of the Blue Ridge neighborhood, where she took great pride in her home and neighborhood. She most recently resided at Jill’s House and Meadowood Senior Living Community.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Olive Chambers, and her loving husbands Richard William Shirley and Joseph Frederick Koehl. She is survived by her sons, Mark W. Shirley and Dennis J. Shirley. Mark’s family includes his partner, Barbara Netto (Picayune, Mississippi), his daughter, Lauren Shirley Kot, her husband Ryan Kot, and their children Lane Shirley and Ella Kot (Bloomington, Indiana). Dennis’ family includes his wife, Danna L. Shirley, and their sons, Richard D. Shirley and John T. Shirley (Brownsburg, Indiana). Kathryn is also survived by her brother, Carl Chambers, his wife, Pat Chambers, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Thursday February 17th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 East 3rd Street, Bloomington IN 47401. Funeral Services are scheduled for Friday February 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM in Burgoon Church, 8598 E Burgoon Church Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401, burial will follow in Burgoon Cemetery.