Shirley M. Otto

Shirley M. Otto TOWANDA, IL -- Shirley M. Otto, 84, of Towanda, formerly of Henry, Ill., passed away at 3:55 a.m. on Saturday September 24, 2011 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Norma, Ill. She was born on December 23, 1926 in Copley, Ohio to the late Luther and Daisy (Squires) Holshue. She married Allen Otto on September 13, 1952 in Akron, Ohio, he survives. Also surviving are son, John (Kathy) Otto, Norma, Ill.; daughter, Sherie (Dave) Hagar, Colfax, Ill.; grandchildren, Brad Koopman, Bloomington, Ill., Josh Koopman, Seattle, Wash., Alexa Merritt, Ft. Myers, Fla., Gage Merritt, Dubuque, Iowa, Alec Merritt, Gibson City, Ill., Jessica (Chris) McCabe, Anchor, Ill., and Dave Hagar, Anchor, Ill.; two great-grandchildren; and several cousins in Ohio. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Holshue, who was killed while serving in the military during World War II. Shirley was a wonderful wife and mother and dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. She loved people and blessed others with her warm friendly spirit and a sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Shirley was currently a member of St. Luke Union Church in Bloomington, Ill., and was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Varna, Ill. for over forty years. Services will be at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Varna, Ill. on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., also at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Reverend Andy Gifford will officiate. Burial will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery # 2, Varna. Memorials may be made to BroMenn Hospice or to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Varna. Lenz Memorial Home and Funeral Planning Services of Lacon, Ill. are in charge of arrangements.