Shirley A. Bollhorst, a cherished resident of Centralia, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in Salem, Illinois on October 27, 1939, to Hap and Mable Wilkins, she brought joy and warmth to all who knew her throughout a life filled with love, family, and creativity.
A devoted homemaker, Shirley dedicated her life to nurturing her family and creating a loving home. Her talents extended beyond caregiving; she was an avid crafter, skilled in crocheting, and had an impressive collection of dolls, with a particular fondness for her “Hayward” doll. Shirley’s fondness for Christmas was well-known, but her greatest joy came from the time spent with her beloved grandchildren.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Dewayne Bollhorst and Josh Cook, both residing in Centralia; her daughters, Cindy Cash and husband Steve of Junction City, Donna Kirgan and husband Fred of Salem, Rebecca White and fiancé Herb DeKalb, and Crystal Bollhorst, all of Centralia. Her legacy of love continues through her many grandchildren: Julie, Bobby, Stephen, JaVanna, Jason, Raymond, Cynthia, Andrew, Scott, Charlie, Kiera, Rylan, Tyler, Anna, Angel, Jenna, Tacola, Bray, Gage, Emma, Jayden, Wayne, Kinlee, Donnie, Lorelei, Willy, and Tori, as well as several great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and her precious fur baby Mia.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald L. Bollhorst, her parents, Hap Aaron Wilkins and Mabel (Daniels) Wilkins, her son Gregory Bollhorst, her brothers Omer, Johnny, and Dale Wilkins, her sisters Edith Whittaker, Pat Hirsch, and Joyce Lance, and a special son-in-law, J.R. White.
Per Shirley’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded with no public services. To honor her memory, the family encourages those who knew and loved Shirley to remember the warmth and creativity she brought into their lives. Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, is honored to be of service to Shirley’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
Shirley will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
