Shirley Ann Darin

Shirley Ann Darin (94) passed away Tuesday, September 17, at Lightways Hospice facility surrounded by her family. Shirley was born August 28, 1930 in Morris, IL to Ludwig & Agnes (Thompson) Mickelson.

Shirley graduated from Morris High School with the Class of 1948. On August 27, 1949 she married Roy Darin where they lived on their family farm their entire lives on Southmor Road South of Morris. They were married for almost 73 years before Roy passed in 2022.

After high school Shirley worked at the Morris Daily Herald as Circulation Manager and later at WRMI-FM Radio station before she started for the USDA (ASCS Office) which she worked for 23 years before she retired in 1990. 

Roy and Shirley enjoyed their garden and would take the extra vegetables in to donate to We Care in Morris. Shirley enjoyed cooking, baking and making vegetable soup to deliver to her family on cold winter days. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. 

Shirley was the Secretary/Treasurer for many years for Sample Cemetery. She was a 4-H leader for 5 years. Shirley enjoyed having lunch with her classmates once a month for years.

Shirley is survived by 3 children; Diane Olson of Morris, Ron (Leslie) Darin of Davis Junction, IL and Jim (Marla) Darin of Morris. Ten Grandchildren, Michael Olson, Kelly Laughary, Brian Olson, Stephanie Kiehl, Mark Darin, Stacey Twomey, Tony Darin, Katie Strang, Devin Hill, Tanner Hill and 23 Great Grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother Tom (Germaine) Mickelson of Yorkville, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband Roy, her parents Ludwig & Agnes Mickelson, Sister Audrey Cloonen, brother-in-law Bernard Cloonen, son-in-law John Olson, nephew Gary Talty and niece Becky Iverson.

Shirley loved visits from her grandkids and great grandkids. She loved family and hosting family gatherings. Nobody ever left her house hungry. Christmas and giving was what Shirley enjoyed.

A visitation and celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 E. Washington Street (one block east of Illinois Route 47) in Morris on Sunday, September 22, 2024 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and again on Monday morning, September 23, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 E. Jackson Street in Morris from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Jason Stone presiding and Deacon Paul Jung assisting.

Shirley will be laid to rest at Sample Cemetery across the road from the farm she lived on for 75 years.

Pallbearers will be: Michael Olson, Mark Darin, Tony Darin, Brian Olson, Brian Laughary, Dan Kiehl, Austin Twomey, Steve Strang, Devin Hill, Tanner Hill.

In lieu of flowers the family would like any donations to go to Lightways Hospice Care who took care of Shirley in her final days.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Shirley’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815-942-2500)