Shirley Duaine Taute

Shirley was born on June 24, 1925, in Victoria, IL, to Wayne and Maude (Thomas) Goodspeed She married Francis Taute, on January 12, 1947. They shared a love of learning and travel, including countless camping adventures to national parks, and later embarking on adventures that spanned the globe.

Shirley worked both at Caterpillar and Bradley University.

Shirley gave her time generously to her church and The Church Mouse. She helped to establish the library at Pleasant Hill Grade School, always believing in the power of community and service. Her countless volunteer hours and dedication to her community left a lasting impact on those she served and worked alongside.

In her free time, she found joy in crocheting, knitting, and creating gifts for everyone she knew and loved. She loved working puzzles, kept up with exercise well into her 90’s, and could hold a plank longer than most half her age. She loved watching “Cash Cab” and “Finding Your Roots,” and spent countless hours researching her own genealogy. A lifelong learner, Shirley never stopped embracing technology. She was the first in her family to use email. She upgraded to Blu-ray the moment she heard of it. She used Facebook and Snapchat, and she was never without her beloved iPad, which she used for many FaceTimes and Zoom calls.

However, her greatest joy came from time spent with her family, whether gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories, playing games or working puzzles. She was the driving force behind many family reunions and family trips. Her granddaughters will always remember swimming at the YWCA, dressing up in her square dance petticoats, and getting sweet treats out of her yellow pitcher.

As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was a source of endless love, wisdom, and gentle encouragement. She never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel important and loved.

Shirley is survived by her children, Paula (Skip) Morris of Peoria and Mark (Dee) Taute of Cedar Falls, IA; four granddaughters: Beth (Kevin) Willis of Hawthorn Woods, IL, Jennifer Morris (Chip Joyce) of Peoria, Danielle (Chad) Jasmin of Kapaa, HI, and Jodi (Matt) Matthes of Williamsburg, IA; and seven great-grandchildren: Matthew, Amelia, Ellie, Jenna, Eli, Ahava, and Marcus.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your charity of choice.

Online condolences may be shared with Shirley's family at www.Davison-Fulton.com