Shirley Gilonske

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Shirley Mae Gilonske, 77, of Terre Haute, formerly of Potomac and long-time resident of Paxton, died at 5:20 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at the Terre Haute Regional Hospital. 

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton. Burial will follow in the Apostolic Cemetery, Cissna Park. 

Visitation will be two hours before the service, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the funeral home. 

Shirley was born April 9, 1946, in Rankin, the daughter of John Phillip and Helen Caroline Farney Lackey. She married Kent Gilonske on July 30, 1961, in Paxton. He preceded her in death Sept. 13, 2020. 

She is survived by her children, Wally (Mary) Gilonske of Hoopeston, Richard (Kim) Gilonske of Hendersonville, Tenn., Robert (Kathy) Gilonske of Terre Haute, Ind., Janeene (Robert) Bradley of Abilene, Texas; 11 grandchildren, Hannah (Adam) Bentley, Hailey (Garrett) Lowe, Bobbie Gilonske, Christine (Nick) Ramsey, Alex (Michael) Powell, Lauren Gilonske, Robert Gilonske, Kurtis Gilonske, Michael Gilonske, Samantha Bradley, Jacob Bradley; nine great-grandchildren, Keegan and Addison Bentley, Molly Fitch, CharLee and Wrigley Lowe, Liliana and Gideon Ramsey, Elle and Everli Powell; siblings, June Walters of Phoenix, Ariz., Janice Kemnetz of Strawn, Evelyn Steine of Florida, Sandy Duitsman of Columbus, Ind., Joan Dorsey of Chicago, John Lackey of Royal and Lucy Massey of Crescent City. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Dorthea Mae Gilonske; brother David Lackey and three sisters, Betty Snyder, Rose Battey, and Linda Lackey. 

Shirley received an associate's degree from Danville Area Community College. She and her husband owned and operated Camotop Sales Sporting Goods and later worked as a bookkeeper for O'Herron Police Supply, Danville. 

She was a member of an online book club, as she was an avid reader. She would exchange books and talk about books with others all over the country. She enjoyed traveling with her family whenever possible, crocheting, playing cards and Bingo. Shirley loved her family. She adored her grandchildren. She tried to attend as many events with them throughout their lives including games, concerts and special events. She loved going out to lunch and dinner with them. She loved spending time with her family and going shopping! 

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor's choice. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.