Shirley J Rull

Shirley Jean Rull, 89, of Litchfield passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 11:25 pm at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. Shirley was born on January 19, 1934 in Litchfield, the only child of William Youell Small and Oma Compton Small. She attended the Litchfield Schools and graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1951. Shirley was proudly crowned May Queen of her class. After graduation she worked briefly for the Litchfield Creamery, until she married Norman W. Rull on November 15, 1953 at St. Timothy United Methodist Church in Litchfield and they farmed together for 58 years.

Shirley loved her home in the country where she worked tirelessly with her husband on the farm. Shirley loved to garden, read, cook, oil paint and host all family holiday gatherings. Her home was cherished by her family and was always warm and welcoming. Shirley also loved to bowl. Later in life she enjoyed visiting with patients at Dr. Richard Guyan’s optometrist office where she worked part-time until his retirement. Shirley was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where she served in many capacities with the Ladies Aid Bible Study and sang in the choir. Shirley enjoyed her card clubs and monthly widows luncheon group. She had faithfully kept a daily diary since 1953 that family could refer back to for all life events. Shirley was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, loved dearly by her family, and who always had a kind word and gentle smile for all.

Shirley is survived by son, Jeffrey (Laura) Rull of Litchfield, daughters Jane (Bill) Warren of Staunton, Julie (Mike) Griffith of Carlinville. Six grandchildren, Carrie (Ben) Hemken, Kurt (Rebecca) Frerichs, Alex (fiancé Rob Harmon) Rull and Jacob Rull, Ryan and Christian Griffith, step-granddaughter Nicole (Matt) Nowitzki, great-grandchild, Riley Hemken, and great-grandsons Bradley, Barrett, Brody, and Blake Nowitzki. Two nephews, Randy (Ronda) Schwarz and Todd (Gayle) Beanblossom.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, father William Youell Small, mother Oma Virginia Compton Small Day and her beloved husband of 58 years, Norman, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Arlene (Bob) Schwarz, Verna (Jesse) Beanblossom and niece Jan Schwarz.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cahokia Township and friends may call Friday, February 10, 2023 from 4 pm until 7 pm at Plummer Funeral home. Burial at Mt. Olive City Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or Hearts United.

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