Shirley A. Liby, 91, of Muncie, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Morrison Woods Health Care.

Shirley was born on March 19, 1933, in Muncie, Indiana, to the late Forrest and Ruth Finney. In June 1952, she married the love of her life, Larry L. Liby, and they shared an incredible 72 years together.

She graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1950, then attended Ball State University, earning a Bachelor's degree in 1954 and a Master's degree in 1964. Shirley dedicated her career to education, teaching for two years at Redkey School in Redkey, Indiana, before serving for 23 more years as the Director of Art and Media in New Castle Community Schools. She retired in 1983. She was also the co-owner of The Handcrafter retail store from 1970 to 1984.

A passionate and accomplished quilter, Shirley authored 24 books on quilting and quilting techniques. She lectured and taught extensively throughout the Midwest and co-founded the Indiana State Quilters Guild. She was also an active member of the Muncie Quilters Guild, the Evening Quilters Guild, the Midwest Weaver Association, and Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher Society. Her contributions to the quilting community were recognized in 2013 when she received the Indiana Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indiana Quilters Guild. She was also named Outstanding Art Educator of the Year by the Indiana Art Education Association in 1983.

Shirley was a devoted member of Fountain Square Methodist Church, where she also taught Sunday school.

She is survived by her loving husband, Larry; daughter, Jeanne Manship; and one grandson Chris Beaman. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Forrest and Ruth Finney; daughter Vickie Lynn Vincent-Beaman; brothers David Owen Finney and Wallace Ray Finney.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 N. State Rd. 3, Muncie, IN 47303. Burial will take place on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Muncie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Parkinson's Foundation
5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310
Miami, FL 33126

Muncie Evening Quilters Guild

Attn: Nancy White
4301 W. Jackson St.
Muncie, IN 47304

Muncie Quilters Guild
Attn: David Baker
18401 N. CR 100 W
Muncie, IN 47303