Edna Shelby

Edna Shelby, 96, died on December 21, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her family at her bedside. Edna was born Edna Sweet in Martinsville, Illinois, the only child of Harold and Doris Sweet. She attended grade school and middle school in Casey, Illinois, after which her family moved to East Chicago, Indiana, where she attended East Chicago Washington High School through her junior year. While living in East Chicago, Edna enjoyed horseback riding, attending plays, musicals, and other events in Chicago.

Edna and her parents moved to Covington, Indiana, where she attended Covington High School, graduating in 1947. In Covington, she met her husband, Richard VanDorn Shelby. They both shared an interest in horses. They married in 1947 and were married for 71 years.

They moved to Vero Beach, Florida, in 1988, where Edna worked at Miracle Mile Furniture before moving to Haverty Furniture in Ft. Pierce. She retired from Haverty Furniture in 2000. Edna was well known for her skill in room decor and design for Haverty clients. While living in Florida, Edna enjoyed playing golf and swimming and was particularly fond of spending time at the beach and walking along the boardwalk at the Atlantic Ocean.

Edna returned to Indiana in 2016, living in West Lafayette until 2020, when she moved to Indianapolis to live with her daughter, Katherine, and then at Marquette Manor.

From her youth throughout her life, Edna had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling in the United States, Europe, Jamaica, and Central America, traveling well into her 80s. She had a passion for cooking and entertaining with family and friends. The greatest joy in her life was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Edna had a sweet personality, welcoming both friends and strangers with her kindness and radiant smile.

Edna is survived by her three children: son, Ronald (Susan) Shelby of Vero Beach, Florida; daughter, Elizabeth Goodrick of Lafayette, Indiana; and daughter, Katherine Shelby of Indianapolis, Indiana. She is also survived by her grandchildren: grandson, Greg Goodrick of Montezuma, Indiana; granddaughter, Heidi Zenor of Elkhart, Illinois; grandson, Brock (Amanda) Goodrick of Lafayette, Indiana; grandson Richard, (Christina) Shelby of Warrenton, Virginia; and 6 great-grandchildren. Her parents and husband preceded her in death.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 pm EST followed by a funeral service at 3:00 pm EST at Shelby & Keller Funeral Home Chapel in Covington, Indiana. Burial will be in Bend Cemetery near Covington, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Riley Children’s Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Shelby & Keller Funeral Home and Cremation Services | 622 3rd St Covington, IN 47932 | (765)793-2221 | shelbykellerfh.com | Info@KellerFH.com