Shirley Mae McArthur

Shirley Mae McArthur, 85, of Witt, Illinois, passed away with her family by her side on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Rose Garden of Pana in Pana, Illinois.

She was born on October 25, 1940, in Chase Mills, New York, to Gerald Shattuck and Leila Holmes Shattuck. Shirley later married John Dwight McArthur on December 2, 1961, in Fulton, New York. They shared many loving years together until his passing on May 25, 1995.

Shirley was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She worked at Birds Eye Frozen Foods and later in the laundry department at Nokomis Nursing Home. She was known for her caring heart, strong work ethic, and the love she gave so freely to those around her.

She was a member of the Christian Church of Witt. Shirley enjoyed the simple things in life including shooting pool at Key Largo, bowling, camping at Honey Bend, and traveling. Her warm personality and love for gathering with family and friends created many cherished memories that will be treasured forever.

Shirley is survived by her children, Sonia (Troy Shurtz) Hodson, Monica Florence, Greta (Dorman) Akers, and John McArthur, all of Witt, and Kimberly (Aaron) McCarty of Irving; 18 grandchildren, Evalyn, Nicole, Danielle, Megan, Ashley, Brian, Chelsy, Danyel, Dane, Justin, Makenzie, Zayne, Abigail, Samantha, Trevor, Brook, Leslie, and Griffen; 35 great-grandchildren; one sister, Sandra Flewelling of North Carolina; Sister in law Kathy Lorton of Witt; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Dwight McArthur; her companion, Wayne Lynch; one grandson, Jonathan; one great-granddaughter, Allie Faye McCaslin; two sisters, Beverly Allen and Gloria Zeleski; and three brothers, Lowell, Lester, and Lloyd Shattuck.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Julie Willman officiating. Interment will be in Witt Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Montgomery County Cancer Association or the Christian Church of Witt.

Arrangements are under the care of Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis, Illinois.

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