Shirley L. Short, 86, of Onarga passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at the Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois. She was born on February 7, 1938 in Gilman, Illinois, the daughter of Frank and Florence Schriefer (Zillins) and they both preceded her in death along with one sister, Mary Ann Frerichs.
On December 22, 1956, she married the love of her life Robert Short in Gilman and he preceded her in death two weeks ago on August 12, 2024. They were married for over 67 years and had so many blessings in this time. They lived briefly in Monterey Bay, California before settling a few years later in Onarga. Here is where they welcomed two children Bradley (Debra) Short of Onarga and Brenda (Bruce) Miller of Fairbury. She also had two grandchildren, Tayler (Eric) Bergstresser of Knoxville, IL. and Lucas (Victoria) Miller of Lebanon, TN. One step-grandchild, Lesley Miller of Normal, IL. Three great-grandchildren, Peyton & William Miller & Amelia Bergstresser. Brother, Francis "Bud" (Marion) Zillins of Grand Haven, Michigan. Two step-grandchildren, Chance & Katelyn Bonds. One special niece, Linda Meister (Frerichs) Aspen, Co. who held a special place in her heart along with many nieces & nephews.
Shirley held just a few jobs over the years, but while raising her own children, she started a daycare in her home. This brought her extreme challenges, but was also some of the most satisfying and fulfilling times in her life. She had so much love to give and was an excellent mentor and teacher to these children. Over the years, so many of her daycare children have dropped by or called her to tell her how much she meant to them. One of them just two weeks ago!! This made her very proud and so happy.
She attended Zion United Church of Christ where she served in choir and on the Women’s Guild for many years. She had great faith and even though she was unable to attend church in the past few years, she attended by Zoom every Sunday. It was the highlight of her day.
Bob and Shirley were truly best friends and did literally everything together for over 67 years. Much of this time she spent loving her children, but once she had grandchildren, she had a new purpose in life. Together they made it to every event they could to cheer on Tayler & Lucas. She was their biggest cheerleader and a very proud Grandma. She was over the moon when she became a great-grandma. There was nothing she loved more than spending time with her family and watching them grow. She was truly the center of our family and the glue that held us all together and kept us close. It is going to be so hard without her, but we will carry on the best we can and make her proud of all of life's lessons she has taught us all over the years. There was never a kinder or sweeter person, she was everyone's grandma.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga. A Private Family Graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, to be sent to Zion United Church of Christ and Iroquois Memorial Home Healthcare.
Please share a memorial of Shirley at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
