Shirley Ann Cannady

A woman who never knew a stranger and welcomed everyone with warmth and curiosity, she was sweet, kind, and endlessly selfless—always the first to offer a hand, a hug, or a helping word.

A gifted crafter and artist, Shirley enjoyed creating beautiful beaded jewelry, often making one-of-a-kind pieces that she loved sharing with her family and friends. She spent hours immersed in arts and crafts, where her creativity flowed as freely as her laughter.

She also enjoyed the thrill of scratch-off tickets and the excitement of bingo, where she could be found with a hopeful smile on her face, always ready for the next win. But her love for games didn’t stop there—Shirley could also be found near a slot machine, her eyes twinkling with anticipation as she pulled the lever in search of a lucky jackpot. Her love of color was as vibrant as her personality, with red, white, and blue holding a special place in her heart. Whether it was decorating her home or dressing for the day, these colors reflected her patriotic pride and love for all things that celebrated freedom and joy.

Shirley found peace in the beauty of flowers and the delicate flutter of hummingbirds. She would spend hours enjoying the quiet moments as she watched the birds dance from bloom to bloom, filling her heart with serenity. She had a love for music and dancing, especially Elvis Presley’s tunes, which never failed to make her move with joy. She also enjoyed watching wrestling, embracing the drama and excitement it brought.

Above all, Shirley was a woman who loved her family with all her heart. She was generous with her time, her talents, and her love, always making sure those around her felt cherished and valued. Her laughter, her warmth, and her zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Shirley is survived by her spouse of 40 years, Gene Cannady; children, Kelli Tobin, Ginger Zacharias, Lee Anne Bertram, Becky (David) Isbell, and Lisa Cannady; grandchildren, Zachary (Amanda) Tobin, Skylar (Caitlyn) Bex, Stacy (Baylee) Tobin Jr., Kaylee (Daniel) Woodruff, Sarah Zacharias, Cheryl Cross, Dallas (Brittany) Isbell, Levi (Kate) Isbell and Malisha Phillips; great-grandchildren, Soephiah Bex, Skyler Bex Jr., Maverick Tobin, Ruby Tobin, Cheyanne Miller, Trace Tobin, Fayelynn Woodruff, Mark Woodruff, Bentley Woodruff, Harmony Gabbard, Raylee Isbell, Miya Isbell, Jade Isbell, Hero Isbell, Atreus Isbell and Faith Gabbard; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in passing by her parents, William (Bill) and Thelma Belt; son-in-law, Mark Zacharias; best friend, Patty Dakin; and her maternal grandparents.

Family and friends may gather from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday, December 15, 2025, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana, 47304. A funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM at Elm Ridge.