Shirley Carls

Shirley M. Carls

Age 82 of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

Born November 24, 1937 in Colburn, Wisconsin, Shirley was a daughter of Leo and Mary (nee Virba) Welbes. She was raised and educated in El Paso, and graduated from El Paso Gridley High School.  Shirley went on to marry Loren "Buddy" Carls, and he preceded her in death.  Shirley and Buddy lived in Pontiac for many years, and made their home in Joplin, Missouri for a short time in between. Following Buddy's passing Shirley resided in Heyworth with her sister until her passing, and lastly made Bloomington her home. Shirley was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Pontiac; she loved to read romance novels, and took pleasure in working crossword puzzles. Family was very dear to Shirley and she loved her son Carl and grandson Henry with all her heart.

Survivors include her son, Carl L. (Jane) Carls of Tasmania, Australia; one grandson Henry Carls; one brother, Richard (Kathy) Carls of El Paso; niece, Tammy (Joe) Rever; nephews: Larry (Cindy) Hinthorne, Michael Welbes, and Joseph Camp, and many additional nieces and nephews on Buddy's side of the family.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Buddy; sister, Catherine; one brother Lee, and two sisters- in-laws: Phyllis and Nancy.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Shirley's Life will be scheduled for a later date.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Shirley's memorial page online through social media by logging onto:www.ReevesFuneral.com/Obituary/Shirley-Carls

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. (815-237-2526)