Charlene Nigh

Charlene Nigh, 88, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Walker Place in Shelbyville.

She was born January 14 1935, in Shelbyville, the only child of Landy and Cecil (Kepple) Phares.  On April 12, 1953, she married Kenneth E. Nigh, and he preceded her in death on May 2, 1994.

Charlene is survived by her sons, Kevin Nigh and wife, Terri, and Kent Nigh and wife, Christie, both of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Erin MacDonald, Amy Haehl and husband, Mike, Lori Meyer and husband, Bill, Kyle Nigh and wife, Lora, Kelli Nigh-Shuppert and Kayla Emard and husband, Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Jenna, Alex, Katlyn, Griffin, Grady, Eli, Madelyn, Anna, Henry, Teddy, Lane, Leah, Olivia, Halle, Blake, Evelyn and Wes.

In addition to Kenneth, Charlene was preceded in death by her parents.

Charlene graduated in 1952 from Shelbyville High School.

She was a member of Little Blue River Baptist Church, where she began playing the organ at the age of 12 years, and played for many many years.

Charlene was a wonderful farm wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She began working in the early 1950’s at Farmers National Bank and also formerly worked with her good friend, Bonnie Foltz, at Metamora.

Charlene was known for her musical talent and played the marimba and organ at many area events.  She also played in the Farm Bureau band.

She was a member of numerous women’s clubs where she enjoyed putting on skits and entertaining.

The Shelby County Fair was a big part of her life as a 4-H leader, for over 30 years, and an exhibitor for most of her life.  She made the best pies in this part of the state and won Grand-Champion at the County fair for her raspberry pie several times.

Charlene also helped Kenny with the auction business by writing up all of his auctions for publications in various news outlets over the years.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Ken Morgan officiating.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Little Blue River Baptist Church, 3515 N 500 E., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Charlene’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.