Shirley A. "Yodie" Buff's Obituary
Mt. Zion – Shirley A. “Yodie” Buff, 89, of Mt. Zion, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Shirley was born on January 29, 1936, in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Virgil Terrell and Helen Jane Elizabeth Adams. A member of Faith Lutheran Church in Sullivan, Shirley graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and went on to work as a registered nurse at Decatur Memorial Hospital before retiring in 2011. She also was the owner/operator of Lady Bug Interior Design. Shirley loved working out at the Decatur Athletic Club and working on rental properties with her husband Leno who she married on July 20, 1985, in Decatur, IL.
Shirley is survived by her husband Leno of Mt. Zion, IL; daughter Benda Lewis (husband David), daughter Melanie Blankenship, daughter Suzie Blankenship Piper, daughter Shannon Green; raised sons: Edward Werner (wife Dauna), Kenneth Werner (wife Elsa), close family friend: Becky Kastning (husband Will); stepsons: Michael Buff (wife Melanie), Jason Buff (wife Torri), and Nathan Buff (Kristen); grandchildren: Adam (wife Kelly), Audrey (husband Jesse) Justin (wife Katie), Brian (wife Sara), Joshua, Matthew (wife Alicia) Eddie, Benjamin, Cameron, Logan, Kenny, Abigail, Moses, Doug (wife Bree), Makenzee (husband Cody), Dalton (wife Joleen) Nicole (husband Trey), Hunter (Holly), Johnathon, Carter, Brandon, and Dylan; great grandchildren: Maia, Kan, Baylee, Ellie, Sebastian, Isla, Theo, Raylyn, Eastyn, Lane, Lexi, Link and Rowen; sisters: Sandy Caplan ( husband Bill), Stephanie Janik (husband Mike); many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and son Richie Blankenship.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10 am until the service time of 11 am, at Faith Lutheran Church, Sullivan. Burial will follow in Mt. Gilead Cemetery, Decatur. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Faith Lutheran Church.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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