Shirley J. Wakey Obituary (1933 - 2018)

Shirley J. Wakey, 85, of Pontiac, passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at 6:58 p.m. at her home. A private graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Pontiac at a later date. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements. Shirley was born June 10, 1933 in Pontiac, IL to Ray and Dorothy (Handley) Beck. She married John W. Wakey on January 25, 1952. He passed away March 25, 1994. She is survived by her children, Cindy (Russ) Munch of Pontiac, IL and John (Lynn) Wakey of Herscher, IL; one brother, Dick (Fran) Beck of Bloomington, IL; four sisters, Harriet (Chuck) Cochran of Pontiac, IL, Sharon (Dee) Hamilton of Heyworth, IL, Dottie Gschwendtner of Pontiac, IL, and Terry (Rick) Stone of Pontiac, IL; five grandchildren, Aaron (Katie) Munch, Jake (Kristin) Wakey, Adam (Lisa) Munch, Josh (Heather) Wakey, and Kaley (Joey) Ponton; ten great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Gage, Kayla, Charlotte, and Everly Munch and Jarrett, Braden, Kendahl, Parker, and Holden Wakey; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Phil Beck and Butch Beck; and two brothers-in-law, Dale Rich and Denny Gschwendtner. Shirley graduated from Pontiac Township High School. For nearly 15 years she owned and operated Shirleys Coffee Shop in Graymont, with the support of her dear friend, Ruth Leach, and sister-in-law, Vera Mae Wakey. Those friendships and good times at The Coffee Shop were some of the most treasured of her life. Later she waitressed at the Old Log Cabin, where she thoroughly enjoyed good laughs and conversation with all, especially owner, Brad Trainor. She also enjoyed volunteering and using her decorating expertise in the Gift Shop at OSF St. James John W. Albrecht Medical Center. She found friends and fun everywhere she went. Shirley considered herself blessed with a fun and loving family throughout her life. As she and John raised their own family, their time was often spent with their grandchildren. She was known to carry pictures of grandchildren and great-grandchildren to "share" with her family and friends. Memorials may be made to the Livingston County Food Pantry, 420 N Plum St, Pontiac, IL 61764. Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.