Shirley Lillian Crahan

My Obituary
I take pen in hand, (actually fingers to keyboard), to put down a few interesting events of my existence on this earth.
I entered into this world on August 28, 1939 as a gift to my parents Claude Jacob and Mabel Stella (Gay) Creech. I was the youngest of my two brothers, John Ernest and Claude Jr., and my sister Betty Ann. I will not say I was spoiled by my siblings, simply loved very, very much. Fact was, they did not know quite what to make of me,,, I could say Johnny paid the most attention to me, bought me a gift every payday when I was very young from his work in a bakery. My brother Claude Jr. (Jack) was by my side when life gave me tough and hurtful events. Not offering advice or opinions, just being with me to help however he could. Even though he lived across the country from us.
I only know I was warm in winter, well fed (even if my parents did not eat sometimes, we learned later in life they would have a cup of coffee while we ate), slept on ironed sheets and got two new pair of shoes each year, one for Easter Sunday and one for first day of school. A new pair of boots for winter also. I knew I was loved, protected and safe.
My deep faith came from examples my parents put forth in their daily lives. They did not attend church services every Sunday but by showing me everyday how they conducted themselves in different situations. Always kind, helpful and generous even when they had little to share. Always there for any of us or relatives that needed their help, never asking for anything in return. This to me was real faith. From a small child I remember having a penny for Sunday School and a nickel for Church Service. Always with the watchful eye of my Aunt Anna, (even when I put some bubble gum inside the hymnal pages).
When life's journeys led me into untold burdens, I would wonder how much more I could take before I was beaten down. I would remember my Aunt Anna telling " God will not put more on your shoulders than you can carry. Just pray and be steadfast, it will change". I have had some very wise people in my life for which I am very grateful.
From the example my parents put forth, I learned how to give a good day's work for a good day's pay, complain little and to do the best I could in all things. To be thankful for what we had. If something needed to be done, do it.
I attended Seymour High School, from which I graduated in 1959 with a GED diploma which my Dad paid the $8.00 for me to take the test.
I married Harry Norman Tittsworth in 1956 which gave me two beautiful babies, Joni Marie and Jeffrey Dean. I really was blessed with my children, they grew into wonderful human beings and throughout my life I was very proud of them. They are loving, kind and generous; I really just like them as people. As my father would say, (a man I truly admired and respected), "they are good people".
Harry passed away in 1980 after a lengthy illness as a result of a fall from our roof.
I am also a very proud grandmother to Cory Matthew, what a wonderful man he has grown to be. Always a kind word to anyone and sees the best in any situation. He has a very kind and loving heart. I can hear him say, "oh Nan," and a hearty laugh.
I married Edward Harry Crahan in 1985 in St. Francis Catholic Church in Quincy, Illinois. Ed is a kind and easy going man, accepted my family as his own. He made me feel safe; taken care of.
We moved to Macomb, Illinois where we both were employed at Western Illinois University. Ed was at the Physical Plant and I was temporary in the Registrar's Office. I later was in the Ombudsman's Office part time then went on to the Provost Office as a Clerk, (front desk person). Meanwhile I received my BA degree in 2000. In 2003 I earned my MA degree in the College of Geography. A fine return on my father's $8.00 investment. I could not have accomplished this without Ed's help all along the way giving encouragement to fulfill my goals.
We both retired from WIU in 2003 and moved to Arkansas. We had been visiting Hot Springs Village since 1987 when we bought our first lot. In 2002 we bought a house after I had breast cancer and Ed had a heart attack. We had plans to build a Frank Wright house on a lot we had purchased. We have not built that house, we love our little house and the neighborhood we live in.
Ed and I both have had issues with cancer, we have been very fortunate in our recoveries. I do not know what has taken me onto the "other" world. I only know I have had a good life, good, bad or ugly, I learned from each experience. I have no regrets, no unfinished business (except maybe an unfinished quilt or two). I wish for those attending my service to love one another, be kind and generous. The most beautiful feeling in this world is to see another person's eyes light up at the sight or gesture of a kindness shared, be it one of my quilts, cookies, crafts or just a greeting with a smile.
To my friends and family,,,you gave me great joy and happiness, each and every one of you. Just a thought of you lit up my day. I was very fortunate to know you all. To any of you who may have misjudged me or thought ill of me, or perhaps you just did not understand, I forgive you. God Bless with love and forgiveness in your heart, kindness in your deeds and faith in your Lord.
As the song says, "I did it my way". The best I knew how, everyday a blessing.
All in all, it has been a hell of a ride!!!!
Shirley Lillian Creech Crahan
A memorial Mass will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ Catholic Church in Hot Springs Village.