Mary L. Shallenberger

Born October 5, 1932 in Peoria to Elmer and Zita (Bupp) Smith, she married Joseph Noah Shallenberger on April 9, 1950 in Pekin. He died February 23, 2015 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Archie Dean Shallenberger and two brothers, Robert E. Smith and Elmer E. Smith.

Surviving are one daughter, Dianna (Louie) Eertmoed of Pekin; one son, Joe Shallenberger, Jr. of Pekin; three grandsons, Colby Shallenberger, Sky (Stephanie) Eertmoed of Pekin and Wes (Melissa) Eertmoed, all of Pekin; four great-grandchildren, Alivia Eertmoed, Colin Eertmoed, Lydia Eertmoed and Derick Shallenberger; one great-great-grandson, Max Shallenberger; one brother, Jackie Lee “Jack” Smith of Pekin; one sister Margaret Petri of Pekin.

Mary and her late husband Joe, owned and operated Joe Shallenberger Excavating in Pekin for many years, where she was the bookkeeper. She was an extremely hard worker and had a servants heart and thought of everyone else before herself.

Earlier in her life, she enjoyed boating and later camping in their motorhome. She spent many amazing summers at their cabin at Copperas Creek, where her family was well known for their 4th of July fireworks show.

She enjoyed yardwork, spending time outdoors and dancing. Mary was a people person and had a sweet nature. She loved her grandchildren and they meant the world to her.

Mary was of Baptist faith and was baptized at Second Baptist Church in Peoria.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor David Atterberry will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral on Friday. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorials may be made to the South Side Mission, 1127 S. Laramie St., Peoria, IL 61605.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com