Shirley L. Erdman
March 17, 1937 ~ August 31, 2025
Shirley L. Erdman, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away from this life on August 31, 2025, at Miller’s Merry Manor, in Hope, Indiana.
Shirley was born the daughter of Dale and Caroline Franklin on March 17, 1937, in Parsons, Kansas; she was the youngest of 4 girls.
On January 21, 1954, Shirley married Albert “Dean” Erdman. Together they are survived by their two children, Greg (Phyllis) Erdman, and Karen Pierce, both of Columbus; grandchildren, Angie (Craig) Whittington, and Matthew (Ashly) Pierce, both of Hope, IN, Jeff (Abby) Erdman, of Greenwood, IN, Josh Erdman, of Columbus, and Jenna (Jacob) Rutan, of Columbus; and great-grandchildren, Cade and Kevin Whittington, Max Erdman, Claire and Chase Rutan, Hazel, Emily and Harrison Pierce, and Anna and Andrew Erdman.
Shirley enjoyed many hobbies including oil painting, knitting, and crocheting, but her favorite pastime was spending time with her family whom she loved dearly.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Caroline Franklin; sisters, Doris, Alene, and Marvis; husband, Dean Erdman; granddaughter, Janelle Erdman; and son-in-law, Kevin Pierce.
The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Rev. John Marquis officiating the service. Calling hours be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. She will be laid to rest in Rest Haven Cemetery.
You’re invited to view her video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance, and leave a message of condolence to the family online at www.jewellrittman.com.
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It was always fun to go get makeovers from Gramma and Auntie Al when we went to Arizona and the photo shoots after. I will always cherish all the memories from my childhood and nights staying over at her house.
Shirley’s life was a gift to everyone who knew her.
🌸❤️🌸
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Whittington family purchased the Florist Choice Bouquet for the family of Shirley L. Erdman.
Shirley’s life was a gift to everyone who knew her.
🌸❤️🌸
Greg, I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace
Shirley was my second mom, and was delightful with her sense of mischief, adventure and fun. She gave me a friend for life in her daughter Karen, with whom I shared so many adventures, trips, and Great Dane dog slobber. She was generous in sharing her love, too – if she liked you, you knew it! As one of many children, I basked in the one-on-one attention Shirley offered.
She and my actual mom, who were great friends, were excellent role models, teaching us girls kindness, compassion, and humor. So to Shirley, I say, thank you for my childhood memories, I love you, and I’ll see you on the other side.