Shirley Birks (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Shirley Darlene Birks, daughter of Carl and Ava Harrison Shockley, was born August 9, 1943, near St. Louis, Missouri. She departed this life Sunday, November 16, 2014, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of seventy-one years, three months, and seven days.
On June 1, 1963, she was united in marriage to Darrell Gene Birks, and to this union one daughter and two sons were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Darrell, on May 6, 2007; two sons, Daniel Birks, and an infant; and a brother-in-law, Glen Birks.
Shirley is survived by a daughter, Kelly Gaver, and her husband, Tony, of Lebanon, Missouri; two grandchildren, Joseph Fitzgerald, Jr., and his wife, Mary Kate, of South Korea, and Candace Stoneking, and her husband, Chris, of Eldridge, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Shaemus and Tiffany; her step-mother, Katy Shockley, of the State of Illinois; a half-brother, Roger Shockley, of the State of Illinois; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Ratty, and her husband, Tillman, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, and Shirley Birks, of Crystal City, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was raised by her father and step-mother in the St. Louis, Missouri area.
She began working in manufacturing early in her life and was employed by the Foster-Forbes Bottle Company for several years. She later retired from the Ramsey Corporation. Throughout the years, Shirley was also a devoted homemaker to her husband and family. After they retired, Shirley and Darrell moved to Lebanon, Missouri.
Shirley was raised in the Catholic faith. She had a heart of gold and was always willing to help others.
She was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Elvis Presley, and enjoyed watching NASCAR and Sprint Cup Racing. She loved to work in her garden and also enjoyed fishing. She was steadfast in her convictions and spoke her mind. She was very family oriented and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Shirley was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that she will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
A Memorial has been established and contributions may be made through the funeral home.
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