Our beautiful momma Shirley Maxine Stillions, 73, Carthage, Missouri, went home to see her lord and savior on Tuesday evening, June 6, 2023, at her home with family by her side.
Shirley was born June 22, 1949, in Glendive, Montana, the daughter of the late John Shields and Nancy (Moore) Shields. She received her Master Gardening certificate online, and worked at Schreiber Cheese for 40 years in Carthage where she made a lot of friends that she considered family. Shirley married Daniel Stillions, the love of her life, on May 31, 1997, in Shell Knob, Missouri; he preceded her in death on November 7, 2013. She was Christian by faith.
Shirley had a zest for life and loved writing poems and songs, bowling, boating, and fishing. She was quite the comedian telling jokes and lighting up the room with her angelic smile, but most of all, loved and cared for her family. She loved to have a few beers with friends, scratch lottery tickets, beat us all in rummy, and encouraged her kids and grandbabies to live their best lives and be happy. She continually encouraged us all to have fun, to be kind, and care for one another. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Survivors include three daughters, Elizabeth Shields, Donna Kelley, and Nancy Smith; grandchildren, Rachel Kelley (Ryan), Tristan Kelley (Rachel), Dylan Hedge, Alicia Hedge (Josh), Alexander Sneed (Breanna), Mickey Cortez (Haley), Kirby Cortez, Derek Cortez (Kristian), Anthony Turk (Brit), Cory Prevost, Jonathan Shields, and Sarah Shields; 11 great -grandchildren with one on the way; a sister, Sue Totten (Ed); a son-in-law, James Sneed; a sister-in-law Thelma Hill and multiple nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her son, Ivan Shields; a son-in-law, Shirrell Cortez II; a great-grandson, Silas Cortez; and five brothers, Bob Shields, Urban Shields, Walt Shields, Ray Shields, and Eddie Shields.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. The burial will follow at Newtonia IOOF Cemetery, Granby, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm, Friday, June 9, 2023, at Knell Mortuary. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Shirley Stillions family in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
