Shirley Ann Black, 84, of Washington, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

She was born on April 27, 1940 to Mary (Leutze) and Joseph Rappe in Peoria. She married Ronald Black on January 18, 1958 in Peoria. He preceded her in death on December 18, 2010.

She is survived by her children, Lori Prater, Randy Black, Greg Black, Rhonda Larson, and Paul Huber; her grandchildren, Tanya Prater, Justin Prater, Alex Black, Sydney Larson, Hanna Black, Gage Black, Justice Black, and Spencer Larson; and her great granddaughter, Emerald Larson.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, Betty Carlton; and her son-in-law, Daniel Prater.

Shirley was an involved member of St Patrick's Catholic Church in Washington. Shirley worked as a paralegal before taking time off to raise her children. Later in life she went on to work at Szolds. After leaving Szolds, she helped her son by doing payroll and scheduling for his business. She also held many volunteer jobs. She assisted St. Patrick's Catholic School by finding substitute teachers when needed. She worked as a Eucharistic minister and volunteered many years for Channel 47. She would often collect auction items from businesses. Shirley was the glue of her very busy family. From running children to all their different sports and activities, working behind the scenes helping with fundraisers for NTFD and NTRA, all while managing to cook a homemade meal every day. Later in life she never failed to spend time with her grandkids. If she wasn't watching them at sports or taking care of them she was taking them on vacations. Shirley truly was one who led by example of how to help others. She will be missed by many!

We would like to thank Richard L. Owens Hospice Home for the wonderful care mom received in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northern Tazewell Fire Department or the Northern Tazewell Recreation Association.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 starting at 10:30 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Washington. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am - 10:30 am prior to the mass.