Shelly L McDuff

Born June 8, 1962 in Pekin to Richard “Dick” and Sharon (Flick) Heihs, she married Randy McDuff on August 25, 2007 in Pekin. He survives.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Also surviving are four children; Chelsea Hornecker, Logan Hornecker, Stephen McDuff, all of Pekin; Megan McDuff, of Bellevue, and one brother Scott (Bridget) Heihs, of Largo, Fla. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Shelly was a 1980 Pekin High School graduate and went on to work her entire career in the legal field, spending most of her career working as an administrative assistant for the Honorable Mary McDade in the Illinois Appellate Court, Third District.

Shelly enjoyed spending her free time with her friends and family, as most knew her to be a social butterfly and knew no stranger. She had a natural talent for hosting big parties, including the famous annual “Backyard Brawl”. Guests could be assured that there would be lots of food, drinks, and belly laughs.

She was an avid sports fan and loved watching college basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals. In the last few years, Shelly had gained an interest in gardening and was always willing to share “Shelly’s Victory Garden” with others. In the summer, you could find her by the nearest pool or lake, living up to her “sun goddess” title. With a personality so bright, Shelly was able to light up any room. Those who knew her knew that she welcomed everyone with open arms and gained a friend everywhere she went. People were drawn to Shelly’s charisma and positive outlook on life; she encouraged others to always “Live Happy”. She touched many lives with her generosity and passion to always live life to the fullest. Shelly was one-of-a-kind and will be fondly remembered by those she shared her life with.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 17, 2020 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Preston Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory in Pekin. Guidelines regarding social distancing and masks will be implemented.

Cremation will be accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be collected at the Celebration of Life or can be mailed and made payable to: “Susan G. Komen Memorial In Support of Metastatic Research” Susan G. Komen Memorial 4700 N. University Street Ste 91 Peoria, Illinois 61614 “Illinois CancerCare Foundation, Shelly McDuff Tribute Garden Bench” Illinois CancerCare 8940 N. Wood Sage Rd Peoria, Illinois 61615 “The Live Happy Fund” Pekin Community Bank 601 Court Street Pekin, Illinois 61554

“The Live Happy Fund” will be used to create a memorial at a location that Shelly thoroughly enjoyed.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all of the staff and friends at Illinois CancerCare, Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate in Peoria, and the ladies from the Komen Cafe.