Shelby Rose Willis, 87, of Petersburg passed away May 21, 2026 at home surrounded by loved ones. Shelby was born in Muren Indiana to Paul and Beatrice (McCandless) Sharp on October 6, 1938. She married Bobby Willis on March 12, 1957 where they spent many years together until the time of his passing in 2014. She was also an active member of the Rumbletown Free Methodist church in Petersburg, Indiana.

Shelby loved going to church and taking care of children. She would have children call her grandma even if they were not related. Her passion was to open an orphanage and would tell her family that when she gets to heaven that she hoped her job would to be able to rock all the babies in a rocking chair.

She is survived by her children; Eugenia Bennett, Brent Willis, Mark (Sherry) Willis, Kellie (Randy) Willis; brothers; Eldon, Bill, Phillip (Peano), Tommy, Scott Sharp; sisters; Georgia Quick, Diana Gress, Nancy Cox; 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.

Shelby is preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Eldon, Bill, Phillip, Tommy, and Scott Sharp; granddaughter; Krystal Bennett; son-in-law, Eddie Bennett.

Visitation for Shelby will be Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST at the Rumbletown Free Methodist Church in Petersburg, Indiana. Service for Shelby will begin at 1:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the church with a burial to follow at Walnut Hills Cemetery in Petersburg, IN. At the family’s request, please donate instead of sending flowers and make donations to the Rumbletown Free Methodist Church and there is a box for donations at the church. Harris Funeral Home is entrusted with care.