Shirley Gamons

Shirley Mary Gamons, 88, of Ottawa, IL passed away Sunday March 21, 2010 at her home. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday March 25, 2010 at Ottawa Funeral Home with the Rev. Philip Halfacre officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Wednesday March 24, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Cremation rites will be accorded. Shirley was born July 15, 1921 in Ottawa, IL to Nicholas and Catherine (Amendt) Bayer. She married Charles J. Gamons April 15, 1939 at St. Francis Church. He died December 17, 1999.She was the first woman bus driver and drove for over 30 years. She was also a member of St. Mary's Church in Naplate. Shirley loved people and people loved her. She never met a stranger. Shirley always shared lemonade with the mail carriers and was known as the "Lemonade Lady on Phelps Street. She always shared her wit and wisdom along with her stories and jokes. She was known for her songs about bus driving and school that everyone loved to hear. She shared them often with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed and her memories cherished by all. Shirley is survived by one daughter, Judith (Philip) Carr, and one son, Charles (Frances) Gamons, both of Ottawa; five grandchildren, Philip (Nancy) Carr Jr. of Hudson, IL, Curt (May) Carr of Ottawa, IL, Joe C. (Gina) Gamons of Naperville, Kelly (Ron) Ansteth of Mendota, IL, and Guy Gamons of Chicago; seven great grandchildren, Colby, Matthew, Jordan, and Alexis Carr, and Madison and Noah Ansteth, and Tyler Gamons; four step grandchildren, Edward (Janice) Freeman of Fortworth, TX., Connie (Jimmy) Myre of Ottawa, IL., Francie (John) Cain of Ottawa, IL., Jason (Carrie) Freeman of Hayworth, IL.; and three step great grandchildren, Yameria, Zaire, and Jibril "Billy" Church, all of Ottawa, IL. She is preceded in death by nine brothers, Chris, Herbert, Bernard, Anthony, Jacob, Tom, Joe, Charlie, and Nick Bayer; three sisters, Catherine Stuppy, Marie Latino, and Leona Modesitt; and one granddaughter, Debbie Gamons. Memorials may be directed to Ottawa Hospice or to the family.

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