Shirley Jane Calkins returned to her Lord and Savior on July 27th. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side in Winston-Salem, NC. She was 85 years old.
She was born March 6 1937 to Sherman and Esther (Burmood) Luallen in Galesburg, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother George Fidler, and a great-granddaughter, Olivia Katherine Traff. She is survived by four children; Sherrill Winicker, Beth Baldwin (Ben), Curtis Calkins (Diane), and Douglas Calkins. Seven grandchildren; Ty Traff (Brie), Brian Traff (Jessica), Christina Redfearn, Sarah Elder (Shawn), Michael Calkins (Karen), Schyler Calkins (Morgan), and Cameron Calkins. Thirteen great-grandchildren; Chase, Maila, Isabelle, Nickolas, William, Aven, Reese, Robert, Carter, Charles, Grace, Parker, and Dahlia.
Her love of helping others led her to a career in healthcare. After receiving her degree in nursing from Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg Il, she worked in geriatric care at Knox County Nursing Home. During retirement, she enjoyed painting, crocheting, writing poetry, quilting, sewing, ceramics, and fishing.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home & Crematory have been entrusted with his arrangements. Online condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
