Shirley L. Knapp

Age 90, of Morris, Illinois, and formerly a 50-year resident of Chicago, died Saturday, September 5, 2026 in Morris.

Born April 30, 1936, at her family home in Wilmington, Illinois, Shirley Loretta was a daughter of Leslie and Harriett (Connolly) Reardanz. She was raised and educated in Seneca, Illinois, and went on to build a long and interesting career with the State of Illinois.

Over the course of more than three decades, Shirley worked within the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, serving during the tenures of Alan Dixon and Jim Edgar as each held the office of Secretary of State. Her career afforded her a unique vantage point into Illinois government and politics, something she took great pride in throughout her life. She eventually retired from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Among the more colorful chapters of her working years, Shirley also had the distinction of serving for a time as a secretary for the Harlem Globetrotters.

Chicago was home to Shirley for some 50 years, and she embraced everything that came with living in the heart of the city. Residing in Lincoln Park, she enjoyed the energy of downtown life, both professionally and socially. She loved Irish music, appreciated a good conversation, and accumulated a lifetime of stories and experiences that were uniquely her own.

Politics and public life remained a particular interest. Shirley was proud to have experienced the historic 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago firsthand, and with her characteristic wit, often remarked that she spent much of her career "running in the circle on the periphery of political power" in Illinois. Whether or not she held the power herself, Shirley certainly knew the people, understood the landscape, and enjoyed having had a front-row seat to an interesting era in Illinois history.

Above all, Shirley was an intelligent, witty, loving and remarkable woman. She possessed a natural warmth and an engaging personality that drew people to her. Those fortunate enough to meet Shirley rarely forgot her. She could make an impression, hold a conversation and, in ways both subtle and lasting, influence the people around her.

Shirley lived a long life filled with experiences, relationships and stories worth remembering. She will be remembered not simply for the places she worked or the history she witnessed, but for the woman she was: loving, bright, spirited, engaging and memorable in every sense of the word.

Survivors include her children: Shawn (Leisa) Knapp and Kelly Roth, both of Morris; grandchildren: Jasmine Mireles, Shawn Michael Knapp, Brandon (Amy) Knapp, Keith Knapp, Sarah (Kevin Davies) Roth and Lauren Roth; great grandchildren: Gabrielle, Mya, Brandon, Ava, Chloe, Lily, Preston and Layla; siblings: Jean (the late Dick) Nelson, Les (the late Eileen) Reardanz and John (Mare) Reardanz, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her son-in-law, Randy Roth

.Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street in Morris on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until time of remembrance at 3:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Shirley's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements are being made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-2500)