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UPCOMING SERVICE
Shirley Estes Obituary
ST. JOSEPH - Shirley Ruth Mandaline (Benson) Estes, 88, of St. Joseph, formerly of Rantoul, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Shirley was born at home in rural Paxton to parents Axel and Esther Nelson. Axel traveled from Sweden to America with his brothers, who all married the Nelson sisters. When Esther died a few years later giving birth, Shirley went to live with her aunt and uncle and beloved cousin, Charlene (Smith). Her father would visit every Sunday for dinner and always bought her a dress for birthdays and holidays. When she was 14, she moved to Danville with her father and sister, Irene (Brown). Shirley married Kenneth Self on her 18th birthday. Together, they traveled the world with his Air Force career. She eventually settled in Rantoul.
Shirley worked several jobs at Chanute Air Force Base, eventually working as a waitress at Prairie Village Retirement Community from the first day it opened until she was 79 years old, 21 years later. Although she was older than many of the residents, she adored all of the "old folks" she served each and every day.
Shirley is survived by her six children, Darla Self of St. Joseph, Kenny (Brenda) Self of Rantoul, Karen (John) Cunningham of San Antonio, Leana (David) Coffey of St. Joseph, Billy (Teresa) Estes of Caseyville and Johnny (Beth) Estes of Mesa, Ariz.; her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and cousin, Wilbur Nelson of Pasadena, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Lorraine Self; her parents; and her siblings.
The family would like to give special thanks to her daughter, Darla Self, of Addus HomeCare, who gave her excellent home care for over a year before her passing; Anastasia and Tony of OSF Home Physical Therapy, whom she adored; Piper and Savonna from Transitions Hospice; and the team from Carle Cardiovascular ICU who took such great care of her in her last few days.
There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. Nov. 8 at Paxton Glen Cemetery.
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Joyce john borchers
October 10, 2025
Our condolences to Shirley´s family. Shirley was lovely person and friend. Shirley will be missed. Rest In Peace Shirley John and Joyce Borchers Frienfs
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