Shirley A. Hardesty, 92, of Peoria, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. Shirley was born on February 20, 1929 to Lyle V. and Mary J. Howat. She married William "Bill" Hardesty on Palm Sunday March 21, 1948. To this blessed union 6 children were born. Surviving are her children, John G. (Sheryl) of Lewistown, Sherill Diepenbrock of Washington, James W. (Carla) of East Peoria, Linda (Dave) Blazis of Colorado Springs, CO, and Janet (Rodney) Rodgers of Homosasssa, FL; daughter-in-law Theresa Hardesty of Peoria; and 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren that she was very proud of. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; 3 sisters; and her eldest son, Mark. First and foremost, Shirley was a godly woman who, with Bill, grounded their children with a love of God and the importance of faith and discipline in life. She was a lifetime member of Glen Oak Christian Church where she was also superintendent of the Primary Department in Sunday School for 27 years. She was a Deaconess, Elder, and Elder Emeritus. To her children, she was the constant loving comforter, supporter, Scout leader, PTA leader, teacher, companion and Band parent, and the insight and transportation for many lessons, camps, and opportunities. Each child grew with the confidence that comes from growing up with loving, supportive parents who put God first in their lives. Her family, as well as her friends, benefited from this love, strength and counsel. As a student, Shirley graduated from Woodruff High School and attended Bradley University. In business, she worked as a customer service representative for Illinois Bell Telephone and was the Secretary/Treasurer for Hardesty Custom Cabinets for 30 years and the Bill Hardesty Bands for over 60 years. She was a representative, team leader, and lifetime member of the President's Club for Avon Products for 60 years and grew to know her Avon colleagues as lifelong friends; Avon was her vocation and her avocation. A funeral service for Shirley will be held at 11:00am Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Visitation will be from 9-11:00am Saturday at the funeral home interment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Glen Oak Christian Church or El Vista Baptist Academy.