Shirley Jean Trent

Shirley Jean Trent, 92, of Noblesville, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born on June 29, 1930 in Peru, IN to Mike and Mary Trent.  Shirley received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Ball State University and continued on to achieve a PhD from University of Tennessee.  Shirley was a professor of Educational Psychology at Ball State for 30 years until her retirement in 1985.  Shirley lived the remainder of her life “living her dream” at her home on Morse Reservoir in Noblesville, IN.

For all who were fortunate enough to know Shirley, she was an amazing woman and true inspiration.  Her kindness, sense of humor and loving nature were a gift to everyone who had the good fortune to know her. Although the calendar may have said she was the elder in the room, her spirit was always the youngest.  We will forever be blessed with the memories she created with us.

She is survived by her cousins, Jane Tibbets, Andy Tibbets, Kim (Tyler) Harris, Debbie (Jerry) Hostettler , and Cindy (John) Johanssen; and “granddaughters” Hannah and Ellye Tibbets.  In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her brother, Ray Trent; and best friend, Jean Heffron.

At Shirley’s request, there will be no funeral services. She will be cremated, and her ashes will rest at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru, IN.  Anyone wanting to remember Shirley may make a contribution to her favorite charitable cause, an Alzheimer’s research and support organization.