Shirley J Merritt

She was born April 29, 1943 in Peoria to Ernest and Grace F. (Ferguson) Todd.

Surviving are three daughters, Sherry A. Isaac and Billie J. (Duane) Durbin, both of Pekin, and Pam L. (Ed) Autrey of Green Valley; one son, Todd A. Merritt of Pekin; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Geraldine Pumphrey of Lucerne Valley, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter, two brothers, and two sisters.

Shirley worked for Pekin Hospital as a housekeeper for 6 years, retiring in 2005. Previously, she worked as a homemaker for Community Care for 15 years.

Shirley enjoyed sewing, making crafts, and playing bingo.

Her funeral will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2009at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before the funeral. The Rev. Dwight Winnett will officiate. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral and burial of ashes will be at Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospices of America, 2000 West Pioneer Parkway, Suite 24, Peoria, IL 61615.