Shari Marie Black

Shari Marie Black, 75, of Whitestown, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, after a 3½-month battle with leukemia.

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Shari grew up in Whiteland and graduated from Whiteland High School in 1968. She was the beloved daughter of Charles and Lorena Black, who preceded her in death, along with her sisters Carol and Jan and her brother Dave.

Shari knew no strangers. She loved engaging with people, wore a constant smile, and had a contagiously positive attitude that lifted everyone around her. She had a gift for leaving people better than she found them – offering encouragement, laughter, and light wherever she went.

Her faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. During the final months of her leukemia treatment, she often said that each day she woke up, God had given her purpose for that day. She truly lived that belief. Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – was a verse that reflected the strength and joy she carried.

Shari was employed by Costco, where she took great pride in keeping the clothing tables neat and tidy. She loved meeting customers and forming connections, finding purpose even in the smallest daily tasks. Outside of work, she loved traveling, painting, and decorating her home – always adding warmth and beauty wherever she lived.

Many weekends, you could find Shari serving at local Habitat for Humanity build sites. She was heavily involved with Boone County Habitat for Humanity and was the recipient of a 2019 Boone County Habitat home – a blessing she cherished deeply. She believed in helping others build foundations, both literally and spiritually.

She loved the time she shared with her family. She is lovingly survived by her children: John (Jill) Venter, April (Kent) Haffner, Joe (Amy) Kelsay, and Russ (Liz) Kelsay. She was a proud grandmother to Sam (Tam) Venter, Sophie Venter, Kennedy Haffner, Jenna Kelsay, Savannah Venter, Josie Kelsay, Jack Kelsay, Aniston Haffner, Rhett Kelsay, and Grant Kelsay.

Shari valued faith, family, service, and the simple joy of making someone else’s day brighter. Her bright spirit, unwavering faith, and love for people will live on in all who knew her.

Visitation will be 5-7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026, followed by a memorial service at 7:30 p.m., at Flanner Buchanan – Zionsville at 105 W. Pine Street, Zionsville, Indiana. Guests are invited to wear a splash of yellow – Shari’s favorite color – in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Boone County, P.O. Box 5015, Zionsville, IN 46077.