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