Shirley Mae Caulkins

Coal Valley, Illinois

Shirley M. Caulkins, 88, of Coal Valley, Illinois, died Wednesday, January 22, 2014, in her home, surrounded by family.

Services are 10:00 a.m. Monday in the Celebration of Life Chapel at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Coal Valley, with The Reverend Gene Meyers officiating. Burial is in Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline. Visitation is 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in Shirley's memory.

The former Shirley Mae Strader was born October 14, 1925, in St. Peter, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Maude (Radcliffe) Strader. She married Russell Merlin Caulkins on June 9, 1943, in Cambridge, Illinois. He died November 26, 2001.

She worked for Brach's Candy Company in Davenport, Iowa, as a machine operator and "flavor lady" for 25 years, retiring in 1987.

She enjoyed shopping, crafts, and reading. She was always looking forward to her next trip to the boat or Branson, Missouri.

Shirley is survived by her children, Judy Snyder of Coal Valley, Nancy and Jerry Rodgers of East Moline, Illinois, Richard "Bud"and Robin Caulkins of Colona, Illinois, Lana and Robert Powers of Davenport, Don Caulkins of Davenport, Tommie Caulkins of Gainesville, Florida, and Merle Wayne and Jackie Caulkins of Aledo, Illinois; 31 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Beverly Nagle of Moline, Illinois, and Barbara and John Havron of East Moline; many nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law and his wife, Frank and Freida Caulkins of Brimfield, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Walter, John, and Clarence Strader; a sister, Vivian Andrews; and a great-grandson, Brayden Browne.

Visit Shirley's personal tribute page at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com to add stories and pictures of Shirley, send condolences to her family, and light a free candle in her memory or send flowers.