Shirley Lee Hancock Cummings

Shirley Lee Hancock Cummings, 91, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026. Shirley was born in Indianapolis and raised in the Indianapolis area where she was a life long resident.

Shirley lived a life marked by public service and a love of learning. She began her career in both city and state government, where she served with dedication and integrity before retiring from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Never one to stop learning, she was a self taught horticulturist, whose extensive knowledge of plants and landscapes along with her innate gift of design, grew into a successful business as a private residential landscape designer.

She believed in active citizenship and devoted years in her early life to public service beyond her career, serving as a precinct committee woman. Shirley worked tirelessly on the campaign of United States Senator Richard Lugar early in his political career when he ran for Mayor of Indianapolis.

A passionate family historian, she spent countless hours researching her ancestors, a pursuit that ultimately led to her membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Her sharp intellect was evident throughout her life. In addition to being an avid reader, she delighted in solving The New York Times crossword puzzle and was known to be almost unbeatable in the game of Scrabble.

Shirley always carried in her heart the love of her five children, Dana Bola (Stephen), Gregory Brune (Janet) Carole Bates, Jeffrey Bates (Debi) and Bradford Bates. She adored her grandchildren, Adam, Shane, Andrew, Nicholas, Kile, Hannah, and her great children, AJ, Jordan, Aubrey, Bradley, Wesley, and Eli. She is predeceased by her husband James C Cummings and son Jeffrey Bates.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 31st, from 11am - 12pm at Flanner Buchanan - Broad Ripple with a service to follow at noon.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.