Shirley Lee Vester
JULY 2, 1936 – JUNE 3, 2023
Shirley Lee Laughrey Vester, 86, of Terre Haute, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 3, 2023. She was born on July 2, 1936, at home in Terre Haute to Robert W. and Josephine (Catterlin) Laughrey.
Born after the Great Depression, Shirley’s upbringing was greatly influenced by the values that were brought about by that impactful time in history. She and her two siblings were raised by their mother while their father served in World War II.
Shirley graduated from Garfield High School in 1954. Go Purple Eagles! After graduating, she attended Terre Haute Commercial School for accounting. She went to work for her family business, Laughrey Bros. Roofing and Siding, managing the office and later becoming the secretary-treasurer, retiring after 45 years. She was always interested in construction.
Shirley met her future husband, Harlan, at the skating rink where she met some other life-long friends. Shirley and Harlan were married on December 2, 1955 and celebrated 43 years of marriage before his passing on March 3, 1998. They had two daughters, Brenda and Holly. Holly passed away in 2015.
Shirley loved her life. She and Harlan square danced for 25 years. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Red Hat Society, Card Club, and Bunco Club.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Brenda Bonine; five grandchildren: Gretchen Bonine (Alisa), Harlie Bonine, Peyton Bonine, Lee Rogers (Jay), and Lauren Carlson; three great-grandchildren: Talan Rogers, Charlee Rogers, and Hayden Quinn; sisters: Carolyn Maxwell (Jim) and Bonnie Lu (Carl); a special nephew: Brian Hopton and family; and many close, life-long friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ted Laughrey; and special friends, Ron Barnhart and Brett Gilmore.
Our family matriarch may no longer be physically present, but her spirit lives on. She instilled the importance of family, good values, independence, and a strong work ethic in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She taught us to cherish life, make as many memories as possible, and to live life to the fullest and love always.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Roselawn Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, at the funeral home. Shirley will be laid to rest next to her husband in Roselawn Memorial Park at a later date, following cremation.
Shirley’s family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to her caregiver, Jamie Kaus-Whitesell for her care, compassion, and friendship. Jamie became like family to Shirley and was always there to help and provide comfort to Shirley. Her family would also like to thank Southern Care Hospice, especially Dana Dove for the compassionate care shown to Shirley during her final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net
