Shirley Jeanette Frakes, 93, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully, Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Toulon Rehab and Health Care, Toulon, Illinois.
Shirley was born December 24, 1930, in Colchester, Illinois, the daughter of George Franklin and Ruth Elizabeth (Keithley) Rammage.
Shirley lived in Utah for many years when she and her husband owned and operated their own farm. During this time, Shirley also worked at Hill Air Force Base as a civilian mechanic on the F4 Jets. She later moved back to Illinois where she became quite a homesteader, having her own farm, livestock, and a large vegetable garden. She loved tending to her gardens, both flower and vegetables.
Shirley is survived by one son, William Peck of Galesburg; two grandchildren, Alex Peck and Ainsley (Michael) West; and seven great grandchildren. Shirley is also survived by three nephews, Steven Rammage and Frank Rammage both of Galesburg, and Micky Rammage of Abingdon, Illinois; four nieces, Beth Rammage-McLaren of Gilson, Illinois, Theresa Rammage-Bryan of Abingdon, Crystal Rammage of Naples, Florida, and Laurie Rammage of Galesburg; and a cousin, Steve and Cindy Keithley of Alburquerque, New Mexico. Along with her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by a brother, Richard L. Rammage and a granddaughter, Savannah Peck.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2024, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Private family burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Colchester, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Susan G. Komen Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
