Thelma L. Shirey, of Mendota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 14, 2024 at Allure Nursing Home, Mendota, IL. She was 88 years old.

Thelma was born on April 5, 1936 in Yosemite, KY to Alfred and Mary (Morgan) Ponder. She was the eldest of 12 children.

Thelma graduated High School in 1956 from Berea College Foundation School, Berea, KY with a Certified Nursing Assistant degree. Thelma married Fred Shirey in
January of 1958 and became a lifelong resident of Mendota, IL.

Thelma worked at Mendota Community Hospital, Del Monte Corporation seasonally and Mendota Lutheran Home for 20 plus years.

Thelma is survived by three children. A son Brian (Renee) Shirey of Roanoke, IL., 2 daughters, Karen (Jay) LeRette of Compton, IL. Kristi (Henry) Snider of Hooks, TX. Two sisters, Margaret Black and Bonnie Smither. Three brothers, James Ponder, Robert Ponder and Edward Ponder; 9 Grandchildren: Melissa Orvis, Sonia Botello, Joseph LeRette, Kelsey Shirey, Ariel Delaney, Taylor Shirey, LauRen Jimenez, Sabrina LaFayette, Benny Snider and 11 great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Fred, she was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters: Pauline Durham, Francis Davis, Wanda Joyce Ponder and Sarah Ellen Ponder, two brothers Paul Ponder and Franklin Ponder. And a grandson Aaron M. Shirey.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life and burial will be held at a later date. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family

Memorials may be directed to the family.