Bedford-Shirley Ann Sowder, 82, of Bedford died at 11:38 am on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the White River Lodge in Bedford.

Born July 14, 1942, in Bedford, she was the daughter of Wayne and Lavonia (Phillips) Deckard. She married Farrell Dean Sowder on October 14, 1961, and he preceded her in death on February 11, 2015. She was a member of Donica Church of God. Shirley and Farrell owned and operated Fortner Pest Control for many years.

Survivors include a daughter, Cami Terry and her husband Mike of Bedford; a son, Doug Sowder of Bedford; four grandchildren: Zach Terry and his wife Kristen, Riley Purlee and her husband Weston, Alex Terry, and Ethan Sowder; a great granddaughter, Emmy Terry; a sister, June Hammond. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, Don Deckard, and Marvin Deckard in infancy.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00pm on Wednesday, April 9th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastor Jason Walsh officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the hour of service on Wednesday at the Day & Carter Mortuary.