Shirley Ann Sweetser

Shirley Ann George Sweetser, 63 of Gilead, passed away October 24, 2014. She was born to Stanley and Norma (Sykes) George on October 21, 1951 in Hebron.

Most of Shirley’s years were lived in the communities of Hebron, Fairbury and Gilead with the exception of Lexington and Alexandria in her childhood years. She graduated as a Hebron Bear in spring of 1970 and started at the Joseph’s College of Beauty in the late fall. During high school years she was a cheerleader at Lexington, in pep club at Hebron and a true friend to many.

Through the years, Shirley has been part of many lives in being involved in the Fairbury PTA as a valued parent, led her daughter’s Girl Scout Group for several years, spirit led Sunday school teacher at the Fairbury Foursquare church and New Life Assembly of God in Hebron, with her true passion being in children’s ministry, headed the Dessert Storm Support Your Troops group in Fairbury after her oldest son joined the Marine Corp, enjoyed gardening and being involved with the Fairbury Flower Club as well as an active volunteer in her community.

Shirley was an extreme coupon clipper to help with the expense of her love of baking in which she used to bless many friends and family. When she baked, her grandchildren’s favorites were her homemade cheese sticks, cinnamon rolls and her moist cakes.

Shirley’s greatest love was her kids and grandkids including such special daughter and son-in-laws. This great love gave her the strength to enjoy up to the end of her life grandkids, sporting events and school activities, with grandparent’s day at school being her last event she attended. She will be missed by her precious and beloved grandchildren whom she imparted her special talents of crafting, baking, sewing, crocheting, gardening and painting where every time she was sure to incorporate a biblical lesson. Shirley’s children will miss mostly her being their Bible, Google and prayer warrior! Soon to come of Shirley’s life will be children’s Sunday school curriculum.

Survivors are: son, Brian and wife Kim and their children Jack and Sydney Sweetser of Doniphan; son, Jeff and wife Lisa and their children Ethan and Laban Sweetser of Linn, KS; daughter, Stacy and husband Ryan and their children Brittany, Breanna and Braylin Boyce of Tobias; daughter, Misty and husband Quint and their children Brooke and Briley Rayburn of Gilead; daughter, Holly and husband Seth and their child Emma Anne Richardson of Hebron; son, Cody Sweetser of Hebron; brother, Gary and wife Kathy George of Hebron; sister, Diana and husband Rick Cecil of Owasso, OK. Shirley is preceded in death by her late husband, Calvin Sweetser, father and mother, Stanley and Norma (Sykes) George, sister, Cynthia George and grandmother, Gertrude (Kujath) George.