Mrs. Shelby Jean "MamMaw" Tarkany

Shelby Jean Tarkany, "MamMaw" age 76 of Valparaiso, IN died peacefully and was called home by the Lord on December 30, 2020 while residing with family. She was born to the late James and Gladys Johnson August 5, 1944 in Chattanooga, TN and was the 2nd oldest of 10 children. She graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, IN and was a bank teller at Chesterton State Bank before retirement. She is survived by her husband Russell Edward Tarkany Sr. whom she was married to for 56 years, her 2 sons Russell Edward Tarkany Jr. (Connie) of Silverhill, AL and Richard Eugene Tarkany (Heather) of Surprise, AZ, 3 grandsons Russell Edward Tarkany III (Kellie) of Daphne, AL, Cody Tarkany of Phoenix, AZ, Logan Tarkany of Surprise, AZ and granddaughter Lexie Tarkany of Surprise, AZ, 2 great grandchildren, Russell Edward Tarkany IV and Ryleigh Elizabeth Tarkany. She is also survived by sisters Linda Pearman of Lowell, IN and Sharon Arellano of Portage, IN and brother Rick Johnson of Tempe, AZ. and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Shelby is preceded in death by her parents and 6 siblings. Shelby was a member of Valparaiso Baptist Church of Valparaiso, IN and was a faithful Christian who enjoyed reading her bible daily. Shelby loved and lived for her family and enjoyed crocheting, reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, canning, writing poems and stories. Shelby was the most caring , loving and generous person to everyone she met. She will be forever fondly remembered for her love for her family, her generosity and the ability to remember many stories from her early years. May her Legacy of Loving kindness live on in the hearts of Family and friends. Shelby enjoyed feeding and watching hummingbirds in her yard and also had quite a collection of hummingbird objects. May she always be remembered by this Hummingbird Poem. The Heights Within You by Jack Williams You have often felt tied down And dreamed of being free, Of fulfilling the potential Of who you want to be. Now you've finally earned your wings, It's time for you to soar And reach the heights within you, That's what wings are for. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 4th at 2:00pm, a viewing will be held from 12:00 pm prior to the memorial service at Pine Rest Funeral Home in Foley, Al with final rest at Silverhill Cemetery in Silverhill, Al.

Mrs. Shelby Jean "MamMaw" Tarkany

August 5, 1944 - December 30, 2020