Shirley Ann Crothers Wolfcale, 93, of Arden, NC, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, after an extended illness. Shirley was born August 14, 1933, to the late John and Ella Schultz Crothers, St. Joe, Indiana. She met and married the love of her life, Richard Wolfcale, in Ft Wayne, Indiana, in 1950, and had been married for 72 years.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Sarah Joy Wolfcale, and her siblings Rose Marie Crothers, Paul D. Crothers, and James W. Crothers.

Shirley was a true matriarch for her family. Family was always her main priority, and she worked her entire life to ensure that her family was well cared for and happy. She attended and obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Methodist Hospital in Ft. Wayne. And worked in the nursing profession until she retired. In her spare time when not caring for her family, she cared for the home, and her gardens were one of her greatest pleasures. An avid reader, all her children fondly recall "Mom reading to us," and that this led to their own personal growth and love of reading. Being the wife of a minister and military man meant that she traveled extensively.

She was above all else a Christian. A proud woman of faith who held her beliefs steadfast and guided her day-to-day life. She also taught at the church and directed many choirs in her years of service. Her cooking was another way she fed the souls she met, and she was very happy to share that with those she loved. As a nurse, she also taught locally at several colleges, passing on her wisdom to the nurses of tomorrow. 

She is survived by her devoted and loving, husband, of 72 years, Richard Wolfcale; 3 daughters: Shawn Rene’ Pogue (Doug) of Seymour, Indiana; Janette Auline Stinebaugh (Bert) of Raleigh, NC; and Marisa Ann Wolfcale (Mithran David) of New Orleans, LA. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren: Courtney, Laura, Sarah, Rachel, Lydia, Rhianon, and Zoey; and 5 great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Collins, Eli, Magnolia, and Michael. Shirley also leaves behind her beloved four-legged companion Buttons, whom she loved and adored.

A private family gathering is planned for a future date. An Inurnment, will be completed at the Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC.