Shirley E. Karnes

Shirley E. Karnes

Age 85, of Vandalia, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Miami Valley Hospital. Shirley was born March 10, 1940 in Losantville, Indiana to the late Norman & Frances (Morris) Harris. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Chalmer “Bus” Karnes, in 2013; one son, Timothy; brothers, Donald, Curtis; and by her sister, Sheila.

Shirley was a long-time member of the Vandalia United Methodist Church. She loved sewing, crocheting, fishing and she was a very talented quilt maker. Shirley and her husband were avid genealogists and with her husband’s help they wrote five books. She will be remembered by her family as being one of the best parents a child have.

Shirley is survived by three children, David Karnes & his wife, Barbara, Kathie Bronstetter and Dona Karnes; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one sister, Shar Wetendorf; two brothers, James Harris and Michael Harris & his wife, Peg; and by her extended family & many good friends.

The family will be receiving friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Thursday, November 6, at Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Drive, Vandalia. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Michael Malcosky officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Hopewell Cemetery in Farmland, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in memory of Shirley to either the Vandalia United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.