Shirley L. McClatchey

Shirley was born in Callaway County on October 29, 1936, to Jewell and John Illig. She attended Tavern Hill School near Portland, Missouri where her mother was the teacher. Shirley graduated from Mokane High School. On July 3,1954, Shirley married the love of her life, B.J. McClatchey. The couple spent 65 years together before he preceded her in death in 2020.

Shirley lived a rewarding life working diligently to help build a fulfilling life for her husband and three children. She worked as a homemaker on the family’s farm while the children were young. As they grew older, she worked outside the home in various roles at Stephens College Accounting Office, University of Missouri Extension Program, and University Physicians’ offices.

An activity that brought great pride and enjoyment to Shirley was her involvement in the Boone County 4-H program. She volunteered as a club leader, project leader, and provided leadership on several county and state level activities. Through the years, she often reminisced about many club members and their families she had met through the 4-H program. She cherished that time in her life and the relationships she acquired.

Shirley worked day and night to help provide for her family. A large garden was part of rural life, growing and canning food was a yearly ritual for all family members. Shirley was known to be an excellent cook. Her fried chicken, lasagna, and assorted fruit and nut pies were impressive. Holidays, especially Thanksgiving, were always special times for Shirley.

Family life was central for Shirley. She was proud and honored to be a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Shirley’s grandchildren were the light of her life. They filled her heart with immense pleasure and joy. Shirley led her entire family quietly by example. She instilled the value of hard work and encouraged all to be productive in life.

Shirley and B.J.’s special place was their farm. They enjoyed raising cattle, baling hay, and took great pleasure in the many daily farm tasks. They were a true team in all endeavors.

Shirley will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by three children: David McClatchey, Debbie Shaw (Marty) and Dan McClatchey; grandchildren: Lindsay Hrdina (Ross) and Conner Shaw (Ciera); three great-grandchildren: Ava and Quinn Hrdina, and Dawson Shaw all of Columbia, Missouri. She is also survived by a brother, John Wayne Illig (Dorothy) of Kansas City, Missouri and a sister-in-law, Sarah Illig (Gale) of St. Louis, Missouri. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, B.J. McClatchey, parents John and Jewel Illig, and her brother, Gale Illig.

Shirley will be forever remembered for her caring heart, loving guidance, and unconditional love. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate her life and find comfort that she is at peace.

We invite you to come and honor her life. Services for family and friends will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 10, at Memorial Funeral Home 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia, Missouri. Visitation will be from 10-11am prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made on behalf of Shirley to the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900 or https://act.alz.org.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com