Shirley Jean Reeker, 90, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 8:35 a.m. on September 4, 2026, at Mount Vernon Countryside Manor in Mount Vernon. She was born January 25, 1936, in Jefferson County, Illinois, to the late John Kenneth and Reatha Mae (Steward) Hayes. Shirley married Fredrick “Fred” Reeker on June 4, 1954. He preceded her in death on August 31, 2019.
Shirley is survived by her children, Lynn (David) Upton, Lisa (David) Meador, and Alan (Tammy) Reeker, all of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Heather (Jason) Pace, Kyle (Brittany) Upton, Aaron (Jennifer) Reeker, Amber (Dustin) Schierbaum, Austin (Kari) Reeker, Avery (Rebecca) Reeker, and Colten (Laura) Meador; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Judy Flota; brother, Randy (Vicki) Hayes; and sister-in-law, Shirley Hayes.
In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her brothers, Jim Hayes and Terry (Judy) Hayes; and brother-in-law, Larry Flota.
Shirley was a woman of deep faith and community. She was a dedicated member of Otterbein United Methodist Church and also attended Wesley United Methodist Church. She found great joy in the company of her peers as a member of the East Salem Friendship Club, where she spent countless hours quilting alongside her dearest friends. She will be remembered above all as a devoted mother, a treasured grandmother, a loving sister, and a dear friend to many.
Shirley’s warmth and affection will live on in the hearts of her family, echoing her favorite saying: “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”
A Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Wesley United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 am at Wesley United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, IL, with Reverend Gina Ellis and Reverend Randy Hayes officiating. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Bluford, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Shirley’s honor to Wesley United Methodist Church.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
