Shirley Ann Miles

Shirley Ann Miles, 75, Indianapolis (Brownsburg), passed away on April 11, 2025. She worked for Indiana Bell/Ameritech as an Engineering Clerk for 30 plus years. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Michael Miles, sisters Mary Moore and Sue Smock, along with brothers Dale and Gilbert Whitaker. Survivors include her son, Brian (Corina) Miles; daughter, Jennifer (Greg) Cook; grandchildren Samantha Miles, Zachary Miles, Spencer Cook, Caroline Cook, and Brody Cook, along with a niece, Katie Roberts (Arron) and a nephew, Brandon Smock. Visitation for Shirley is scheduled from 4 - 6 pm Thursday, April 24 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with a brief remembrance ceremony near the conclusion of the visitation. The family invites all guests to the residence, 6261 Lakeland Lane, Indianapolis (Brownsburg), immediately following the service.

Shirley was born Shirley Whitaker in Mount Airy, NC on Sept. 20, 1949. She moved with her family to Indianapolis when only a few months of age. She attended Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis and graduated in 1968. A serendipitous meeting and then date led to her tying the knot with Mike on Nov. 22, 1968, and a legacy was begun.

Shirley's energy and multi-tasking talents were apparent to all who knew her. She eagerly focused her attention on her immediate and extended family, balancing work and commitments to her children and her many relatives and friends. Shirley and Mike hosted game nights, took fun vacations to Florida and a multitude of locales, all while doing their best to display a neutral stance with IU and Purdue loyalties within the family. When her first grandchild arrived in 1998, she and Mike made the move from Warren Township in Indianapolis to the Brownsburg community, where she happily and enthusiastically embraced her new brand: the moniker of "Oma."

With the arrival of more grandchildren in 2000, 2003, and 2006, Shirley eased into the role of "Oma" and served as the cornerstone of infinite family activities and pursuits. Whether it was gift wrapping and dynamic games at Christmas, Halloween décor, Easter egg hunts or the Colts Fun Zone, activities centered on family, grandchildren, and friends. Youth softball, baseball, soccer, football, gymnastics, and Boy Scouts all became her hobbies. She became more familiar with sports than she ever would have imagined!

Shirley held a passion for cooking and baking, always eager to prepare a meal, a cake or a nice dish for family, friends, or anyone dropping in for a visit. Large dishes or small dishes, main course or desserts, major holiday or an impromptu snack, they were all an integral part of her repertoire.

Shirley loved the outdoors and enjoyed hikes at Turkey Run and McCormick's Creek state parks, along with visiting local greenways and trails in Brownsburg. Cruising was also a passion. Shirley enjoyed the striking architecture of Europe, the bustle of Japan, the diverse landscape of Australia and the crystal blue waters of the South Caribbean during her cruise adventures, including memorable excursions with the entire family.

Family and friends will miss Shirley dearly. But Shirley will live on in the hearts and minds of all that knew her and were fortunate enough to meet her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." -- Proverbs 31:26