Shirley Louise Ewing , 84 of Lena, IL, passed peacefully Tuesday, December 21, 2021 into the arms of her treasured loving Savior, a destination that she had prepared for years in advance, joining her husband that went two days earlier. She was holding the hands of Tricia and Elizabeth as she left us.

Shirley was born December 22, 1936 to parents Harry and Gertrude (Dingman) VanderDrink. The oldest daughter of seven children. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1956. That September, she was set up with a blind date by her friend Sharon and Sharon's boyfriend, Jim Huber. Exactly three months later they were married. December 24, 1956, a small wedding with family members and friends was performed by Rev. Lew mills at Cedarville E.C. Church. They were each other's love of their life, and they displayed that right up to the very end, when John, while in the hospital, would ask about "my sweet Shirley."

Shirley had several different jobs in her lifetime including, JCPenny in Monroe, General Casualty, WT Rawleigh, Crum & Forster in Freeport. After moving to Lanark she worked at Carroll Service Co., Elkay Manufacturing, Rolling Hills, and the Exchange State Bank. She then took on the role of the Pastor's wife, a task she poured her whole heart into. She never met a person that she wouldn't hug…ever!

Shirley leaves behind two daughters that loved her fiercely, Kari (Rod) Hartman and Tricia Ewing (Dan Shaulis); also a daughter that doesn't want to be recognized; Eleven grandchildren: Elizabeth, Justin, Arika, Alexis, Austin, Annie, Kevin, Phillip, Josi, Jenna, and John IV; also seventeen great grandchildren; two sisters, Carol Hunter and Nan (Bob) Klinger; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; sons, Jack and John III; brothers, Harry, Walt, and Dale; sister, Rose.

A special thanks to the care given on 2 North at FHN, and granddaughter Elizabeth who stepped up as her visitor, when the rest of us were battling COVID.

Cremation rites are being handled by Walker Mortuary in Freeport. Due to restrictions a combined service will be held January 29, 2022 at 11AM at Cedarville Emmanuel Church. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com