Shirley E. Ghitalla, age 96 of Galesburg, Illinois, formerly of Knoxville, Illinois, passed away at 5:25 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at OSF St. May Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois.
She was born on March 31, 1929, in Rock Island, Illinois the daughter of John Sidney and Bertha Easter (Schutte) McConnell. She married Jack P. Ghitalla on April 30, 1950, in Knoxville, Illinois. He preceded her in death on March 19, 2009.
Surviving are her children: Rev. Bruce W. (Francine) Ghitalla of Pekin, Illinois, Karen Truelove of Knoxville, Illinois, Diane (Edward) Winkless of Highland, Illinois, Jill Klecka of Wheaton, Illinois; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Harold Andrykowski of Naperville, Illinois; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister, Gloria and a brother, Gale.
She was an active member of the Knoxville United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Illinois for 77 years and a 50 plus year member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 235, formerly Chapter 880. She enjoyed her Church and volunteer work.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 2 p.m. with visitation beginning at noon at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Illinois, with Rev. David Mustain officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Knoxville Cemetery in Knoxville, Illinois. In-Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to her Church, St. Jude’s or Charity of the donor’s Choice. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
