Wilma Huffstutler Shanks

Wilma Huffstutler Shanks, 86, of Sunnyland went to be with the Lord at 3:32 p.m., Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka. Visitation will be held at Roland Manor Baptist Church on Friday, September 23, 2011 from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. and a celebration of life service at 6:00 p.m. The pastor Steve Hardin will officiate. Final services and burial will be at Blooming Grove Baptist Church/Cemetery in McLeansboro, Illinois on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Josh Gottman will officiate. Additional visitation will be at the church half hour prior to services. Wilma Shanks was born November 24, 1924 in McLeansboro, Illinois to Jess and Melbadean (Coker) Todd. She was the oldest daughter of 13 siblings. She married Melvin Huffstutler on September 1, 1940. To this union was born Janet (Eldon) Daniels of Normal, Il. and Marilyn (Tom) Missen of Dunlap, IL. Melvin died April 11, 1988. Wilma married Harry Shanks, a jeweler in Henry, IL. Nov. 30, 1992. Harry Shanks died Dec. 20, 1998. Wilma was employed at C.M. Hill in Peoria for 15 years then owned and operated a tailor/seam dress shop in Sunnyland. She is survived by her two daughters and two son-in-laws; 6 grandchildren: Tim (MaryBeth) Daniels of Unalakleet, Ak., Kim Daniels of Normal, Illinois, Mike (Staci) Daniels of Kansas City, Mo., Kelly (Bill) Keena of Chesapeake, Va., Tonya (Bill) Mendell of Kankakee, Il., Amanda (Bill) Beyer of Peoria, Il. and 16 great grand children: Katie, Alyeska, Margo, Samantha, Kiley, Avery, Addison, Mckenna, Justin, Julia, Madelyn, Wyeth, Hailey, Hannah, Alaina, and Gage. Surviving sisters and brothers are: Donald Todd of McLeansboro, IL; Priscilla Hampton of Riverside, CA; Edward (Billie) Todd of Peoria, AZ; Mary (Jesse) Mills of Beggs, OK; Judy (Jerry) Bucher of Tremont, IL. and Donna (Chuck) Crider of Dunlap, IL. She is survived by a brother in law, Curt (Lorene) Taylor of Peoria and uncle, Harold Ernest, of Peoria plus many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Eloise Taylor, Phyllis Hunter, Lurlin Todd; three brothers: Tommy, Orvil, and Kenneth Todd; sisters and brothers-in-laws: Walter and Cora Huffstutler, Calvin and Francis Huffstutler, Cecil and Lucy Huffstutler, Nolan and Evelyn Harrelson, Herman and Velma Huffstutler, Carl and Ann Huffstutler, Arthur Hunter, and Ralph Hampton; and 4 nieces and 1 nephew. She accepted Christ as her Savior at the age seven and lived her life accordingly. She taught Sunday school for 20 years at Roland Manor Baptist church and helped establish the Baptist church in Rome, Illinois. Later she attended Bay View Baptist Church. She devoted much of her life helping raise her younger sisters and brothers. She gained much pleasure being a "snow bird" in Florida, Arizona and Texas where she developed a passion for dancing, playing cards, playing shuffleboard and hosting get togethers for friends. She had boundless energy in everything she did: gardening, working, golfing, bowling, quilting, sewing, entertaining friends and having fun. Her deep love, concern and compassion for her family often resulted in deep personal sacrifice. She was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by all who knew her! In lieu of flowers one may donate to the charity of their choice or to the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka.