Shirley Mae Cox

Shirley Mae Cox, age 89, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Born on December 11, 1935, to Lily Caroline (Johnson) and William Russell Lacher, Shirley grew up surrounded by love and family. She graduated from Plymouth High School in 1953, a proud member of her class.

On April 9, 1955, Shirley married the love of her life, Olen E. Cox, in Plymouth. Together, they built a life filled with adventure and devotion. Shirley and Olen shared 45 wonderful years together before Olen’s passing in 1998. Their union was blessed with three sons: Kim E. Cox (Nancy), James (Jim) Cox (Barbara), and Steven L. Cox (Denise).

Family was Shirley’s greatest joy. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Her home was always open, and she delighted in hosting weekly coffee gatherings, filling her kitchen with laughter and warmth. Shirley’s happiest times were those spent cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their events, celebrating their achievements and milestones.

Shirley and Olen loved traveling, riding motorcycles with her sisters and their spouses, and camping under the stars. After retirement, Olen and Shirley enjoyed winters in Florida, where Shirley continued to make memories and friendships until she settled back in Plymouth year-round.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Shirley was a devoted member of Cornerstone Community Church, where she found comfort, purpose, and community. She worked at Nipsco for many years, retiring with pride and gratitude for the friendships she made along the way.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Lily and Russell Lacher; her beloved husband, Olen; sons Kim and Steve; sisters Irene (Mike) Taylor and Lulu Belle (Bill) Town; and brothers LaVerne (Alice) Lacher, Robert (Betty) Lacher, Wayne (Joyce) Lacher, and Larry (Marilyn) Lacher. Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren—Stephanie Cox, Brandon Cox, Kelsey (Eric) Manson, Erik (Liz) Cox, Nichole Simpson, Samantha (Zach) Taylor, Dylan Cox—and her ten great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Center for Hospice for their kindness and support during Shirley’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Community Church, 1375 Maple Rd. Plymouth, IN 46563 or to Center for Hospice Care Care, 1419 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 11-1 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. Funeral services will immediately follow with Pastor Steven Cox officiating.

Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.