Shirley I. Skiles, age 77, of Biggsville, Illinois; passed away suddenly
at the home of her friend, Lorri Ramos in Monmouth on Wednesday July 21,
2021 at 12:52 pm. Shirley was born on April 1, 1944 in Berwick, Illinois
and is the daughter of Golden and Maude Sprouse Phillips. She was raised
in Berwick where she attended local schools and then later attended
Monmouth High School. Shirley first married Raymond Mortimer and they
later divorced. Then in May of 1977 she married Robert Ewing at the
courthouse in Oquawka, Illinois. He preceded her in death and she later
married Robert Skiles on July 23, 2016 at the Keithsburg Christian
Church and he currently is surviving. Shirley began work for a time at
Glastex of Monmouth working with Fiberglass. She then was employed at
Western Stoneware as a molder following which she was the cook at
Country Fun from 1978 to 1995. Shirley also worked part time at Casey’s
of Monmouth on South Main . Lastly, and to her retirement in 2013,
Shirley worked at Vista / Lance Bakery in Burlington, Iowa where she was
on the cracker line. She loved crocheting and handwork, going to Bingo
in Burlington, and bowling. She most enjoyed life and enjoyed being
with her family. Shirley was known for her smile and for being the
kindest and happiest person that she was. Surviving her is her husband,
Robert of Biggsville, Illinois, her daughter, Cindy and Kevin Snelson of
Keokuk, Iowa, three sons, Ron Mortimer and (Phyllis Ross) of Oquawka,
Illinois, Kevin Mortimer of Biggsville, Illinois, and Bill Ewing and
(Melissa McIntire) of Stonghurst, Illinois. There are six grandchildren,
five great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren surviving.
Shirley’s two brothers survive, Bill Phillips of Galesburg, Illinois and
Bobby Phillips and (Wanda) of Stevensville, Texas. She is preceded in
her death by her parents, previous husbands, three sisters, and three
brothers.
Cremation rites are to be accorded, and celebration of her life is to be
at a later date. A memorial fund is being established for the Biggsville
Fire Department. Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth is in charge of her
care and to leave a remembrance or for more information please visit
www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
