Shirley D. Kilgore

Born on August 6, 1947, in Tell City, Indiana, to the late Walter and Aleen Riley, Shirley attended New Albany High School, where she excelled on the Dive team, and later studied at JCC. She worshipped at Northside Church and enjoyed swimming at the YMCA with her lifelong friend Janice. She volunteered for several organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Hospice, and the New Albany Animal Shelter. She also proudly carried the honor of being a Lifetime Red Cross Blood Donor. Her quiet acts of kindness touched many lives, including caring for numerous family elders over the years.

Shirley’s greatest joy, however, was always her family. She and her beloved husband, Hunter Kilgore, Sr., built a beautiful life together for more than 40 years, spending time fishing, camping, bowling, and water skiing until his passing in 2008. She was also preceded in death by her dear sister and best friend, Sharon Sawyers.

Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her brother, Larry Riley (Peggy); her children, Kelly Stewart (Paul) and Hunter Kilgore, Jr.; her cherished grandchildren, Takiera Kilgore (Dante Shorter), Taylor Kilgore, Draven Sonnon, and Cortney Perkins; her precious great-grandson, Adonis Shorter; her adored niece, Shelli Crabtree; nephews Scott and Steve Sawyers and Travis Riley; and caring companion Michael.

She was blessed with her children by marriage, Gregory Kilgore (Charlotte), Jackie Yarbrough (Michael), Denise Snorton (Jake), and the late Zachary Kilgore, along with 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous cousins and countless friends.

Shirley had a gift for making everyone feel as though they mattered, because to her, they did. Her warm smile and open heart made everyone feel welcome in her home, as she loved hosting family gatherings and serving her famous potato salad and mac and cheese.

A celebration of Shirley’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Kraft Funeral Home, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, IN, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A service will be held at 2pm.

Following the celebration, Shirley’s ashes will be buried privately alongside her husband.

Though she will be forever missed, we take comfort in knowing Shirley is at peace with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and dancing again with the love of her life. We love you, sweet Shirley—Mom, NaNa, Grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. Thank you for showing us how to love unconditionally. Until we see your beautiful smile again.

At the family’s request, please bring an unwrapped toy to the celebration that will be donated to Toys for Tots in lieu of flowers.