Verna Shilts

BAYLES LAKE, Loda - Verna R. Shilts, 93, of Bayles Lake, Loda, passed away Saturday (March 30, 2024) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, April 4, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. McCollom officiating. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 4, at the funeral home.

She was born on April 11, 1930, in Rankin, the daughter of Harley B. Jones and Nellie Headley Jones. She married Maurie S. Shilts on July 7, 1950, in Bloomington. He died in 2008 after 58 years of marriage.

Surviving are one daughter, Debbie Shilts of Champaign; many nieces and nephews; and Ryann Mitchell Littlejohn, who, with her late sister, Andrea Mitchell, were like Verna's grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Marjorie Foster, Alma Leota "Tootie" Thomason, Viola Kellar, Elsie Eichelberger and Delores Gustafson; brothers, Merritt Jones and Ronald Jones; and several nieces and nephews.

Verna graduated from Paxton High School. Shortly after graduation, she began her career at Farmers Merchant National Bank in Paxton in 1952. She held many positions at the bank, beginning as a teller, then bookkeeper, and eventually what she called a "jack of all trades." In 1986, she was promoted to vice president, the first woman to hold that position at the bank. Verna remained at the bank until her retirement after more than 40 years. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Paxton. She was also a member of Prospect Chapter 367, O.E.S. in Paxton for more than 50 years.

Always impeccably attired, she enjoyed reading and had a stack of books by her living room chair and bed. She loved getting together with family, and she and her sisters would gather for special occasions and for all birthdays. Normally a quiet person, Verna always gave sage advice when asked. She had a good sense of humor and enjoyed being around other people, one of the many reasons she loved working at the bank. She also liked gardening and boating. In her younger days, she was an accomplished bowler and recreational golfer.

Memorials may be made to the Loda Township Library and Paxton Church of Christ. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.