Shirley M. DeBow

Shirley M. DeBow, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

She was born on February 11, 1946, in Plymouth, Indiana, to James Oscar and Grace (Sutherland) Gaines.

Shirley dedicated 30 years of service as a machine operator at United Technologies before retiring. During her retirement years, she continued caring for others through her volunteer work with Pilgrim Manor and REAL Services. Shirley was known for her wonderful sense of humor, her caring heart, and her selfless nature. She always placed the needs of others before her own.

She enjoyed playing bingo, visiting the casino, listening to country music, and watching Game Shows. One of her favorite pastimes was going to the park to feed the ducks. Above all else, Shirley’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family.

Shirley was a member of Plymouth Nazarene Church, the North Liberty American Legion Post, and the Royal Order of the Moose.

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberley (Javier) Mendez of Plymouth and Dawn DeBow of Plymouth; granddaughter, JoAnna (Bryer) Fritz of Royal Center; siblings, Loretta Keehn of Koontz Lake, Roger (Denise) Gaines of Plymouth, Joseph Gaines of Plymouth, Brenda Carter of Plymouth, Elizabeth Ward of Plymouth, and Barbara Dickson of Elkhart; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Evelyn Gaines, Carolyn Kitts, Violet Ray, and Richard Gaines; and granddaughter, Hallie DeBow.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 11-1 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. Funeral services will immediately follow.

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

Memorial contributions may be given to the Marshall County Humane Society, P.O. Box 22, Plymouth, IN 46563.