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Funeral: 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Clay City Cemetery
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home
Shirley M. (Laird) Shelton, age 85, of Clay City, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 12, 2025, at her home.
She was born July 1, 1940, in Flora, the daughter of Raleigh Edwin and Ellen Marguerite (Brummet) Laird. She was united in marriage to Fred Shelton on December 31, 1958, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Flora, and together they shared 64 wedding anniversaries until his passing on June 8, 2023.
In her younger years, Shirley enjoyed traveling and gardening. Later, she rarely missed her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities. Family meant everything to her, and she was always ready to help on the family farm—especially by keeping everyone fed during the busy seasons. She really liked dining out with friends and celebrating special occasions with family gatherings. A longtime member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Shirley served as a song leader and helped with Bible school for many years.
She is survived by her children: Sheila (Darrell) Strange of Clay City, Randy Shelton of Flora, and Dina (Hank) Hilmes of Flora; 4 grandchildren: Dustin (Jordyn) Strange, Silessia Brown, Dalton (Beth) Hilmes, and Sonae (Andrew) Leonard; 6 great-grandchildren: Qynlin Brown, Quadn Brown, Laighlah Strange, Judson Hilmes, Rayna Strange, and Hadley Hilmes; siblings: Jerry (Cecilia) Laird and Peggy Loehr; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father: Raleigh Laird; mother: Ellen Marguerite Sparr; 2 brothers: Larry Laird and Kirby Laird; and a sister-in-law: Jenny Laird.
A funeral ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Josh Stine officiating. Interment will follow in Clay City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Bethel Elm River Church, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Nov 20, 1961 - Nov 2, 2025
Feb 16, 1928 - Oct 30, 2025
Jun 19, 1937 - Oct 30, 2025
May 9, 1961 - Oct 18, 2025
I'm so sorry for the families loss
So sorry for the families loss.
Shirley and Fred,two of the finest people I’ve ever known.Have always treated me like family.I loved Shirley as a sister since 1967. I know there must have been a great celebration in heaven when she walked thru those gates,Fred was waiting with open arms… Until I see you again,love you.
Shirley has quite a legacy in her wonderful family. So sorry for your loss.
What a special lady. Condolences to the family. Remember always, Christians never say goodbye.
My sympathies to the entire family.
We are so sorry to learn about Shirley. She and Fred were such a special couple. We are fortunate to have had Shirley as a friend. Sending prayers to the family for comfort at this time.
Shirley was a fine lady. She was a distant family member on my Grandmothers side and I can remember going down to her mothers house and visiting too just south of where my grandparents lived. Shirley would always come in and sit in my office while she had her vehicle serviced - She would always talk about her family and ask about all of my family too. We would share pictures from our phones. She was so proud of her family. Gonna miss her visits.
With love and prayers, David Lewis
She was my neighbor growing up, she was so sweet and kind, she will be sadly missed by many, my thoughts and prayers go out to her family
I am so sorry while reading this. Our sympathy to all Shirley's family and friends. A really nice lady.
So sorry for your families loss.
Prayers for Shirley's family. Going to church with her when I was young ; she was always a hard worker and I have lots of memories. I loved to see her in town when I grew older. She was always so kind, sincere, and caring
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet mother and grandmother. She was such a sweet lady, and I always enjoyed getting to visit with her. She will be missed by so many who loved her! Sending all our love and prayers!
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Condolences for the family!
I am so sorry to learn of Shirley's passing. She was such a sweet lady. We will missing seeing her at Tin Cup on frog leg night. My sympathies to all her family.
I am truly saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. May the Grace God the father, son and the holy spirit rest upon all her friends and family. Prayers for all of you.
We are very sad to hear of Shirley’s passing. Love and prayers for the whole family.
I will miss Shirley so much, a friend through school years and beyond. My condolences to all who knew and loved her.
So sorry for the loss of this lovely woman. A true Christian wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Prayers of peace for her family.
So sorry to hear. Praying for peace and comfort.
Silessia and Girls, Heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you and your family for the passing of your Grandma.
We were so saddened to hear the news of Shirley. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dina and all the Shelton family.
Shirley was a very nice lady friend mom grandma she will definitely be missed by all that knew her Our deepest condolences
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
