Virgie Lucille Shipley, Avon, IN, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. She was 96 years old. Virgie was born in Lee County, Virginia to her parents, John and Emily Wade. Virgie married her husband, Thomas E. Thacker, and they shared 23 years of marriage together until Thomas passed away in 1989. Later, Virgie married Robert Shipley in 2003, and they shared 10 years of marriage together until 2013 when Robert passed away.

Virgie worked as an inspector for Western Electric, which later became AT&T, and retired after 19 years of service. Being a grandmother was one of Virgie's greatest joys. She never missed an opportunity to give a hug or words of encouragement. She loved watching the grands participate in sports and especially grandparents' day. She became a Christian early in life, loved the Lord and going to church. Throughout the years she sang in several gospel groups and loved old church hymns. She loved to sing all types of music and to dance. She was an avid BINGO player and fiercely competitive. She was one of seven children and loved family gatherings.

Virgie is survived by her children, Dianne (Bruce) Moore; her grandchildren, Sara Allison (Mike Murphy) Barthalow and Emily Kay (Jeffery) Hamilton; her great grandchildren, Kayla Marie (Andrew) Hampton, Sydney Renee Hamilton, Payton Nicole Barthalow, Madyson Clare Hamilton, Jason Daniel Hamilton, Avery Jane Hamilton, Mayson Jane Barthalow, Vance Alexander Hamilton, and Jhett Michael Murphy; her great great grandson, Kai Blayne Miller; her several nieces and nephews.

Virgie is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Thomas Thacker and Robert Shipley; her 6 siblings.

A visitation for Virgie will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The funeral service will be on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 12:30 pm. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at 1:30 pm.

For those choosing to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests that donations be sent to the American Cancer Society.