Shirley Lee Sutton

Shirley Lee Sutton, 87, of Peoria, went home to her Savior and Lord after a final physical battle with Covid-19. Although it is difficult to summarize a life of 87 years perhaps hers can be best noted in these words: Faith, Family, Friends, Fellowship and Flowers.

During the final weeks of her life she was able to share God’s promises with the health care workers caring for her. Promises like, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives, I give to you, let not your hearts be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Her strong faith was evidenced by the peace she had.

Shirley was born in Danville on May 30, 1934, the only child and daughter of Leo K. Louck and Delores R. (Maxey) Louck. The family moved to Peoria and Shirley became a lifelong Peorian attending Loucks grade school and Peoria High School. It was there that she met her husband Eugene A. Sutton. They married on February 14, 1953. They were blessed to have three daughters. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2016.

Surviving are their three daughters, Sheryl (Michael) Hoftiezer of Two Rivers,WI, Patricia “Patti” (Michael) Falatko of Edelstein and Teresa “Terri” (Steven) Spillers of Colorado Springs, CO. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Although she did not have sisters, Karen (Sutton) Bixby and Pat Weinkauf, were counted as her sisters. Stephanie (Falatko) Nelson, a granddaughter, was blessed to care for her grandmother during the 10 day Covid isolation and her final earthly days.

Shirley worked intermittently as an administrative assistant, last working for Dr. Bob Benningfield at Benningfield Chiropractic & Assoc.

Shirley was an active member of her church, Grace Presbyterian. She served in the Special Needs Sunday School and her Adult Bible Class. She was dedicated to reading and knowing God’s word and participated in Community Bible Study for years.

After Gene’s retirement as president of Sutton Carpet Co., they were blessed to purchase a farm and lake in Fairview. They kept their hearts, home and door open and welcomed family and friends. This ushered in years of pure joy and fun and fellowship. Fishing, jet skiing, mushroom hunting, swimming and eating now became the daily activities. The fish fry's became famous as did Shirley's calico beans and pumpkin bars.

Both of their homes were surrounded by beautiful gardens that Gene and Shirley spent hours planting and caring for. Shirley loved flowers of all types and colors. Every spot got filled with a flower or plant.

During the later years of her life she could be found sitting in her mother’s rocker listening to Christian radio with her Bible open. She filled countless memo books with notes and scriptures. Content and faithful are words that describe her final days.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.” 2 Timothy 4:6

Memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church/Special Education ministry or Child Evangelism Fellowship at www.cefonline.com/donate or Southside Mission at southsidemission.org/donation/.

Shirley's Celebration of Life service will be February 12, 2022 at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Her family will begin receiving visitors at 10:30 am. Pastor John Hopwood will officiate the service at 11:00 am. A private committal service will take place in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

Online condolences may be given to Shirley’s family at www.woolsey-wilton.com.