Shirley T. Steen

January 16, 1953 - May 28, 2009

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Shirley Tresa Steen, 56, passed from this earth on Thursday, May 28 at 2:42PM at home after a long illness. Now she is at peace and pain free, sitting with Jesus at the right hand of God. A memorial will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 1 at Carlisle Funeral Home, and the family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until the service. It was Shirley’s wish to be cremated. Shirley was born January 16, 1953 in Michigan City to Melvin and Tresa (Campbell) Polston. On Sep. 25, 1982 Shirley married Jimmy L. Steen in Michigan City. Shirley was preceded in death by both parents and brothers, Terry Polston and Lee Isbell. She is survived by her husband Jim, son James A.(Barbara) Bruce III, son Scott J. Bruce and daughter Erin E, (Cary) Kirk. She also is survived by two sisters, Marie ” Edee” (David) McGreehan, Patricia (Brad) Potter, one brother Danny Polston, six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Shirley worked as a supervisor at Gateway Industries in Michigan City for twenty years, as an office manager for Harold Gresham Chiropractic for five years and as an accounts receivable manager for Von Tobel Lumber until her retirement in 2001. She also filled in between those careers with a myriad of short term occupational adventures that also brought her great joy. Shirley always stated how grateful she was for all the long lasting wonderful friends she made over all those years at all those different locations. Shirley spent her retirement years enriching and strengthening her faith in God through bible study and faithfully attending Countryside Church. Shirley’s absolute love of life was reflected in her enjoyment of flowers, shrubs and all things green which she enjoyed planting and nurturing. Her favorite time of year was when the Earth was in bloom with all its glory. When in good health she enjoyed cruises and travel to any place she had never been and most places she had been before. Shirley was loved by all that knew her well and never known to speak ill of anyone. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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We will all miss Shirl so much...she was and is a blessing to many. You will continue to be in my prayers. You are loved so much.

Dear Erin: It is with heavy heart that I send my deepest sympathies to you and your family. As I viewed the photo video, such warm memories returned to me about you (one of the best dancers I ever taught), your mom and your dad. May the wonderful memories you have help you through the difficult times ahead. With love, Marilyn

I'm truly sorry for your loss, we will all miss Shirley

Fond memories of my best friend and sister in kind will be kept in the forefront of my mind for eternity. The extended family that has been created will continue to be a positve influence in our lives.

Being close friends of Becky and hearing of your loss we wish to extend our deepest sympathy.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Shirley was kind, gentle and generous of heart. She was as beautiful on the inside as out and I loved her. My love and prays are with my family.

The pain is truly great when we lose a loved one. Our heavenly Father, has promised us that through his beloved Son, Jesus Christ, he is going to bring about changes on the earth. He has promised that at that time "All those in the memorial tombs will...come out." - John 5:28,29; "No resident will say: 'I am sick.'" - Isaiah 33:24; "And death will be no more, neither will mourning no outcry nor pain be anymore." - Rev.21:4. His promises are by means of the Kingdom we all pray for at Matt.6:10. You can be sure that all the promises of God will then be fulfilled. God says: "I have even spoken it...I shall also do it." - Isaiah 46:11. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

It was a wonderful experience to have known Shirl. She was so kind and so sweet...always having a wonderful way with words. Her faith in God was such an inspiration to those who knew her. I will be forever blessed by knowing her and look forward to seeing her again in heaven!!! See you someday on the streets of gold, Shirl!

My heart goes out to Jimmy and Erin during this difficult time. I worked with Shirley at Gresham's for over 2 years and she was a wonderful person. She always had a smile on her face and an ear to listen. She will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with Jim and all of the family. I know that you will miss her very much. It was a privilage to know Shirl. She loved the Lord and what an example she was to all of us, especially those of us who knew her from Bible study. This was the last scripture verse that Shirl, Sandi and I read together and it was so perfect: 2 Corinthians 5:2 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix out eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." I love you, Shirl. I'll see you in Heaven someday....

Jim and Erin (and family), Words cannot express the sadness I feel for all of you today. But, there is also happiness because I know that Shirley brought a lot of JOY to all of you. She brought that same JOY to so many people.....she had a smile on her face EVERY time I saw her! (NO matter what she was going through!) I am not even sure if she ever knew how many people that were effected by her special smile! I met her when Erin was in pre-school at Montessori school....and the FIRST time I met Shirley....she just grabbed a piece of my heart immediately with her warm, kind-hearted smile!I just know that she is smiling down on each of you and wanting you to remember all of the good times you all had together! You are all in my thoughts, Dawn J. Nichols

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.