Shirley Louise Babcock's Obituary
Shirley Louise Babcock, 86, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away December 21, 2025, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Shirley was born in Decatur on November 22, 1939, the daughter of Ernest and Lorraine (Mendel) Koshinski. She married Walter Babcock on August 28, 1960, in Decatur, and they enjoyed over 60 years of married life together until his death in 2022.
Shirley worked as a secretary for a number of professional service firms. In her free time, she enjoyed working in her yard and being with her family, especially her beloved grandson Cole. She was an active volunteer, generously donating her time to St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary and to her church, South Shores Christian Church. Shirley showed off her daredevil streak on November 7, just a month before her passing, by taking an 180-mph Indy car ride, proof of which is in the photo attached to this obituary.
Shirley is survived by her sons Dean (Tracey) Babcock and Darrell (Jodi) Babcock; grandson Cole Babcock; siblings Marilyn (Eddie) Boerger, Dale (Joy) Koshinski, and Bonnie (Russell) Hall; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Ernest Koshinski, Jr.
Memorial services for Shirley will be held on Friday, January 30, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10am and will be followed by a service at 11am. Private burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to South Shores Christian Church. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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