Shirley Ann (Shiels) Athey

Shirley Ann Athey, age 86, of Casey, IL, fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith, and received her crown at 4:15 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was born at home on July 7, 1936 in Casey, IL. She is the daughter of Benjamin Shiels and Bertha (Gressel) Shiels.

On prom night, April 25, 1953 she married the love of her life, Loyd Athey, in Casey, IL. Survivors include her loving husband of sixty-nine years, Loyd Athey of Casey, IL; daughters, Cindy Middleton (Nate) of Casey, IL and Linda Hickox (Darrel) of Yale, IL; son, Rick Athey (Carlotta) of Casey, IL; grandchildren, Leslie Roberts, Brock Athey (Lara), Dusty Hickox (Jennifer), Katie Philippi (Adam), Dylan Hickox, Bryant Athey (Ashley), Lindsay Roberts (Josh), Kallie Pullen (Logan); and twenty-eight great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved granddaughter, Brianna Athey; brothers, Fred Shiels (Louise), Ivan Shiels (Mary), Gene Shiels (Barb), and Robert Shiels (surviving spouse, Aileen); and sisters, Betty Kirkpatrick (Kirk), Mildred Archer (Curly), Helen Orrell (Charlie), Marion Wright (George).    

Shirley graduated from Casey High School where she enjoyed cheerleading. After Loyd and Shirley were married, she followed him to Germany while he was stationed with the Army. They returned to Casey in 1959 where she enjoyed building a home with Loyd and raising their three children. Shirley committed her life to Christ, leading her children and Loyd to Him. She was a devoted member of the Church of Christ. Her faith was the foundation of her remaining life. She loved teaching bible classes and enjoyed gathering with her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Shirley was the best grandma to her 9 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. Grandma Athey loved to sew and cook for her grandkids especially fried chicken, french toast, and homemade milkshakes. Grandma's strong sweet tooth helped motivate her fitness routine that her grandchildren enjoyed doing with her. When the great grandchildren came to visit, grandma would often read to them or play a game of "Mother May I." Grandma had a love for teddy bears that grandpa did not share.

The days preceding her departure were spent with her large, loving, and loud family and close friends, singing hymns and reminiscing.  

Private funeral services will be held at Markwell Funeral Home with burial in the Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to donor's choice.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of arrangements.

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