Shirley A. Welch

Shirley A. Welch, 58, of Springfield, died at 9:05 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2013 at St. John's Hospital. Shirley was born August 23, 1954 in Effingham, the daughter of O.J. "Joe" and Rosetta Kistner Bolander. She married David Welch on September 2, 1974 in Newton, IL. Shirley graduated from Sacred Heart High School and was employed by Franklin Life Insurance for 30 years. She then worked as an Annuity Specialist for Horace Mann. She was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Shirley loved to read and to travel, especially to Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head. She was preceded in death by her father, Joe; one brother, Mike Bolander; and the beloved family dog, Tank. She is survived by her husband, David of Springfield; one son, Tyler (wife, Ashley) Welch of Springfield; one daughter, Tobie (husband, Jon) Creasey of Bloomington; seven grandchildren, Jessica Creasey, Danielle Creasey, Jaxon Creasey, Karleigh Creasey, Cameron Schafer, and Carly Schafer, all of Bloomington, and Declan Welch of Springfield; mother, Rosetta Bolander of Newton; three sisters, Linda (husband, David) Lurkins of Marion, Sandy Wilmot of Springfield, and Connie (husband, Mike) Vonderheide of Effingham; one brother, Mark (wife, Karen) Bolander of Newton; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2119 N. 20th St., Springfield with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz, celebrant. Inurnment will follow in the Evergreen Columbarium South at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. John's Hospice, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702.