Shirley Jean Sohn

Shirley Jean Sohn obituary

Shirley Jean Sohn

Shirley Sohn Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Russell Colonial Funeral Home on Sep. 29, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

OBITUARY Shirley Jean Bay of St. Clair, MO departed this life in St. Clair on Thursday, September 25, 2025, having reached the age of ninety years, one month and one day. Shirley was born in Sullivan, MO on August 24, 1935, daughter of Vester Emil Sohn and Alverda Louise Sohn nee Bailey. As a young woman she was united in marriage and blessed to have one son. Shirley is survived by her son, Johnnie Bay and wife, Cindy, of St. Clair, MO; by two brothers, Charles Sohn and wife, Geraldine of Sullivan, MO and Randy Sohn of St. Louis, MO; by five sisters, Faye Chitty and husband, Dave, of Wright City, MO, Mildred Burns and husband, John, of Schoolcraft, MI, Ginny Rosch of St. Clair, MO, Vicki McDermott and husband, Paul, of St. Clair, MO and Anna Rice, who was raised by Shirley, and husband, Jay, of St. Clair, MO; by one aunt, Eileen Struck of Pensacola, FL; by her special cousin, Brenda Gargus; by her grandchildren, Shelby Marler and husband, Sean, of Lonedell, MO, Jake Bay and fiancé, Michaela Redeker, of St. Clair, MO, Jamie Keen of St. Clair, MO and Adam Rice of St. Clair, MO; by her great-grandchildren, Emma Marler, Macie Marler, Clara Keen Memphis Keen, Lucy Rice and Daphne Rice; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Vester and Alverda Sohn; by one sister, Estelle Crews; and by five brothers, Sonny Sohn, Mack Sohn, Jim Sohn, Leroy Sohn and Mike Sohn. Shirley was a Christian and member of First Baptist Church in St. Clair, MO. During her working career she was employed by Deb Shoe Factory in St. Clair, MO, Von Weise Gear Company in St. Clair, MO and Hardees in Union, MO making biscuits, retiring at the age of eighty-four. She enjoyed going to the casino, doing word find puzzles and shopping with her granddaughters. Shirley also loved to cook and bake. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and they cherished the time spent with each other. The love they shared and many precious memories they created together will live on in their hearts forever. A kind and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, niece, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 30, 20258 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Raymond Laramore officiating. Interment will be in New Chapel Hill Cemetery in Sullivan, MO. Memorials may be made to the cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Shirley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Shirley Sohn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Shirley Sohn's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?