Shirley Kaeding, 87, Fort Wayne native, peacefully departed with the angels and family by her side on Thursday, October 27, 2022.
She was born on September 5, 1935 in Fort Wayne, IN to the late Roy and Ester (Boekley) Rodich, later adopted by the late Paul and Marcelline (Boekley) Swain. She married Helmuth F. Kaeding on January 16, 1960, in Fort Wayne, IN and remained happily married for 46 years until his passing in March 2006. Shirley dedicated her life to one of service. She was a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph hospital (class of '57) and later after raising her children, went back to school to seek out another passion and taught Pre School for over twenty years at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran School and was an active member in their Church. She was fiercely devoted to her family, friends and the children she taught. She loved, protected and admired all things living (hence coining the family nickname of Snow White). With the kindest of hearts, she was a true lover of  animals and nature. She thoroughly enjoyed reading, (especially tales of mystery and comics), music and dancing, gardening, fostering stray animals, and was an avid garage sale enthusiast. Her kind heart, abundance of love, sassy quick wit, infectious laughter and mischief will be missed by many.
Surviving are her daughter Patricia Kaeding; son Mark Kaeding; grandchildren; aunt Norma Jean Kaylor; and best friend Debbie (Ron) Dreyer. Shirley was also preceded in death by her son Eric Kaeding; and sister Phyllis Haines.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 11:00am in Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6318 W California Road, Fort Wayne, IN with calling one hour prior to the service. Visitation also from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, November 11, 2022 at Covington Memorial Funeral Home 8404 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of Shirley to Humane of Fort Wayne, humanefw.org
The family would like to thank Story Point West Memory Care Staff and Eleos Hospice for the love and care they showed Shirley.