Shirley Buche

Shirley Buche, age 88, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, October 20, 2024, after
a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Shirley was born in Carterville, Illinois on April 3, 1936 to
Leon and Marietta Dagnan Smith. She was preceded in death by her mother during her toddler
years, and her father remarried Harleith Cornelius Smith, the only mother she ever knew. They
had a relationship like no other and were so close no one ever knew she wasn't Shirley's
biological mother. Harleith legally adopted Shirley as her own and it was one of Shirley's
proudest moments.
Shirley grew up in Herrin, Illinois and graduated from Herrin High School. She then attended
Lincoln Christian College where she soon met the love of her life, Herb Buche, Jr. They married
on June 9, 1956 and celebrated a little over 57 years of marriage together while serving the
Lord, and he preceded her in death on January 13, 2014. They had one daughter, Michelle (Shelly) Buche McAnally and son-in-law Dennis McAnally; three grandchildren, Derek (Abbigail McWilliams) McAnally, Lauren (Zach) Daughty, and Kaylah McAnally; and two great-grandchildren, Jovi and Norah Daughty. Her grands were her most precious treasure and she could often be found driving back and forth to Northern Illinois to attend all their school events and parties. She loved spending time with them, taking them shopping and out to eat, playing Rummikub, and beating them at miniature golf! Her
short game was stellar and she often made up the foursome with her brother-in-laws and
husband for golf tournaments to raise money for scholarships and Christian service camps.
Professionally, Shirley spent her life serving the Lord alongside Herb as they pastored at several
churches, including Bell Ridge Christian Church, Hurst Christian Church, Eldorado First Christian
Church, Harrisburg First Christian Church, and Dale Christian Church. She could often be found
teaching Sunday School, leading the church choir, working as church secretary, and serving the
youth. Shirley had a beautiful singing voice and often sang in groups and revivals. Outside the
church, Shirley began her working career at the age of 15, singing on the radio in Herrin, IL. She
ran a teen program on the radio and often sang the commercials. As an adult, Shirley worked as
a secretary to Mr. Dearborn in Lincoln, IL, executive secretary to Charles Greer for the adult
continuation center in Eldorado, billing specialist for Dr. Mitchell at Ferrell Hospital,
administrative assistant to the hospital administrator, Don Brown, at Ferrell Hospital, office
manager for the State's Attorney's Office of Saline County, and program manager for Coal
Mining Technology at SIC.
Shirley was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, in-laws, brother-in law Corky
Buche, sister-in-law Wanda Florence, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by
her daughter and husband, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, her brother-in-law and
wife, David and Karen Buche; brother-in-law and wife, Dean and Connie Buche, along with
several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by two very special childhood friends,
Sarah Beth Lockhart and Diane Simmons. What a great blessing and system of support they
have been on this journey! And we would be remiss if we didn't mention her very special pup,
Momma's Sweet Baby.
Shirley touched so many lives throughout her 88 years, loving everyone like family and being
the hands and feet of Jesus. She truly loved everyone unconditionally and will be so greatly
missed by all she touched. We are so thankful her journey is over and are celebrating that she is
finally in the arms of Jesus!
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Eldorado First Christian Church. Burial will be in Wolf Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado.