Lillian Ruth (Horst) Bauer, 71, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at Heritage House surrounded by family and friends.
She was born Feb. 6, 1942, in Houston, Texas, to Lillian (McChesney) and Ernest William Horst. They preceded her in death.
During her youth, her family moved to Pittsburgh, Pa., where she lived with her mother, aunts, sister and cousins. She graduated from Cathedral High School. She married Thomas J. Bauer, on Dec. 31, 1959, and they later divorced. He preceded her in death Feb. 10, 2006. Four children were born from this union: Deborah A. (husband, Gary) Braniff, William J. (wife, Julie) Bauer, Margaret L. (husband, David) Scott and Matthew J. (wife, Trena) Bauer.
She and Tom were co-owners of Leland's Tavern for several years in the 1970s and 1980s. At age 40, she returned to school at Ivy Tech Community College and graduated as a licensed practical nurse. Prior to attending college, she worked as an activity director at Shelby Senior Services. After graduation, she worked in several nursing facilities: Marion County Home, Children's Center, and Heritage House in Greensburg and Shelbyville. Her co-workers valued her knowledge, professionalism and dedication to her elderly and disabled patients.
Ms. Bauer had been a resident of the Heritage House for the past eight years. Over the years, she formed strong bonds with the staff and residents and will be dearly missed by all. They all became part of her extended family.
She recently celebrated her 71st birthday with an outpouring of love from the community. With a goal set of 71 balloons to fill her room for her special day, the final total became 153 due to the love and support from the Shelbyville community, family, friends, Our Home Hospice and the Heritage House staff.
She was preceded in death by long-time companion, Albert "Dale" Collins in January 2006; and two great-grandchildren, Damon Chase Kinman and Cecilia Elise Bauer-Perez.
In addition to her four children, she is survived by her sister, Jody (husband, James) Crowley of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and grandchildren Erin, Michael, Joe, Connor, Dustin, Alana, Alexander, Ramon, Thomas, Amanda, Samantha, Amiee, Lilly and Sean. She has 13 great-grandchildren and two more expected over the next several months.
Ms. Bauer was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the church or to the activity department at the Heritage House.
Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville. A Celebration of Life will follow at 6 p.m. with Father Aaron Pfaff as celebrant. Inurnment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Funeral directors Greg A. Parks, Sheila J. Parks and Stuart H. Parks are honored to conduct the services for Ms. Bauer.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
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