By Mandi Sakadaris
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  • Visitation

    Memorial Visitation

    Monday, January 2, 2023

    11:00 am to 1:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

    • Full Obituary

      Barbara I. Shirley, 86, of Lebanon, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2022, at Clinton Manor Living Center.

      Barbara was born on March 16, 1936, in Finney, KY, to Herbert and Jimmie (nee Huffman) Bowles. She married Elzie Shirley on November 12, 1955, in Glasgow, KY; a marriage lasting 67 beautiful years.

      Barbara grew up in Kentucky and graduated from Austin-Tracy High School in 1954. After marriage, her and Elzie lived in various places through his service in the Air Force, eventually settling in Lebanon, where they have been since 1968. She thought her husband was hysterical (usually) and much to the embarrassment of their kids, she and Elzie were always very affectionate.

      Barbara was known as a fabulous cook and was very proud of her cake decorating skills. An extremely talented lady, she was a gifted seamstress, had a keen eye for decorating, was an avid gardener; planting flowers and vegetables, and managed finances well.

      She was brave, smart, funny, always kindhearted; wanting to assist all animals, children, or anyone in need of anything.

      She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Jimmie Bowles; brother, James Willis Bowles (in infancy).

      Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Elzie Shirley, Lebanon, IL; daughters, Teva (Randy) Steeno, Glen Carbon, IL, Venita Shirley, Boston, MA; multiple beloved nieces and nephews.

      In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Clinton Manor Activities Fund, P.O. Box 19, New Baden, IL, 62265.

      Memorial Visitation: Monday, January 2, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    One Condolence
     
    1. Chuck DeLorme / December 30, 2022 at 3:03 am

      EB, Tiva and Vanita, I’m so sorry to hear about Barbara. Your description of Barbara is exactly how I knew her too. Always a joy to see and always a laugh or two about something we would share. It been a few years since we have seen each other but I can recall your mother laugh and smile. EB I know it’s very hard for you but y’all had a wonderful life together full of kids and memories only you can smile and recall and I hope this time together to celebrate Barbara’s life will be fun and full of laugher though there is grief as you celebrate a life that was dear to all of you. My brother in law recently passed and I’ll be in South Carolina when you have services for Barbara so I’m unable to attend which I regret. I can hear Barbara’s reply to my last sentence, “ so that’s your excuse for not attending my funeral!” With a smile and laugh she did have a great sense of humor I enjoyed and admired in her. Chuck DeLorme

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