90, of Bushnell
Shirley Ann Baker, 90, of Bushnell, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday May 27, 2025 peacefully at 4:15 p.m. at The Elms Nursing Home in Macomb, Illinois.
She was born on June 8, 1934, in Table Grove, Illinois, the daughter of Ross and Crystal (Frazier) Guilliams. On August 9, 1959, she married Junior Baker in Bushnell. He preceded her in death on December 7, 2009.
Shirley is survived by her children, Randy Mendenhall of Franklin, TN, and Nancy Teel of Silver Springs, NV; her daughter-in-law, Mary Mendenhall of Checkrow, IL; five grandchildren, Kyle Mendenhall, Katlin Condre, Dusti Moultrie, Matthew (Tabitha) Mendenhall, and Joe (Hailey) Mendenhall; ten great-grandchildren, Darrien, Evyn, Kendra, Maxxom, Deacon, Kaia, Raymond, KJ, Cole, Mason, Madison, Macie, and Wyatt; and two great-great-grandchildren, Khylar and Zhen.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Junior; her son, Don Mendenhall; her son-in-law, Gary Teel; and her brother, Norman Guilliams.
A proud 1952 graduate of VIT High School in Table Grove, Shirley worked for GTE Telephone Company, Massey Ferguson Implement in Bushnell, and White Farm Supply in Avon. A woman of deep faith and community spirit, she was a devoted member of Pleasant Prairie Church in Prairie City and actively involved in the Grandmothers Club, the Jolly 20’s, and the Red Hat Society.
Shirley will be fondly remembered by her family for her famous cookies, which she lovingly baked and shared with everyone - often mailing them to family near and far. Her grandchildren especially cherished the time spent baking cookies with her.
Shirley had a love for the outdoors and a zest for life. She was also a dedicated caregiver to several local elderly individuals, offering her time, compassion, and companionship to those in need within her community. She and her close circle of friends, lovingly called the “Golden Girls of Bushnell,” shared years of friendship, laughter, and memorable adventures.
Cremation rites have been accorded by Martin-Hollis Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Bushnell Recreational Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bushnell Food Pantry or the Bushnell Swimming Pool Fund. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh. com
