Shirley Vargas age 83 of Purcell, OK, passed away on May 31, 2023 in Norman, OK.

Shirley Ann Rushing was born in Dyersburg, Tennessee to William Homer Rushing and Ida Leoder Rushing (Bates) on September 2, 1939. She grew up in the Dyersburg area and attended school there. Life led her to Gary, Indiana where she met Leonardo Vargas in 1964. The young couple were married on January 20, 1965 in Crownpoint, Indiana. Shirley and Leonardo made their home in Portage, Indiana for nearly 50 years, until they moved to Oklahoma to be closer to family in their retirement. Shirley was a proud homemaker, and always kept an immaculate house. She was a woman of great faith and long-time member of the Church of Jesus Christ in New Chicago, Indiana. She taught Sunday School and was a song leader there for many years. Shirley also had a heart for children, she enjoyed helping them at church, and looking after kids in her own family as well. Shirley was a beloved wife, sister, and aunt who will be dearly missed.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Dyer County Memorial Gardens. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Family members and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Homer and Ida Rushing; and her siblings, Malcom Rushing, Marshall Rushing, Martha Jones, Mary Lou Richards, and Helen Glascoff.

She is survived by her Husband of 58 years, Leonardo Vargas of the Home; her God-daughter, Melissa Smith of Purcell, OK; her sister, Faye Milligan; and numerous nieces and nephews.