Shirley Stephens, 76

Born: Aug. 25, 1935

Died: June 28, 2012

Shirley J. Stephens, 76, of West Chicago Road, Niles, died Thursday, June 28, 2012, at her residence following an extended illness.

She was born Aug. 25, 1935, in Niles, to Herman and Lillian (Mark) Dutton. On Feb. 27, 1954, she married James L. Stephens who preceded her in death on Nov. 11, 1999.

Shirley graduated from Niles High School in 1953 and was an active participant with her beloved “53 Club” with her classmates. She was the office manager at Office Mart, working for long-time family friend and boss, Bob Smith, for several years before retiring. She was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles and enjoyed volunteering with the Christian Service Center for the church.

Survivors include her sons, Michael (Terri) Stephens, of Rockford, Mich., Peter Stephens, of Niles, Thomas Stephens, of Northfield, Vt., Willard (Colleen) Stephens, of Walker, Mich., and Cy (Tammy) Perkins, of Rockford, Mich.; 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; and son-in-law, Bruce Cushman, of Rathdrum, Idaho. She is also survived by her brothers, Alan (Sharon) Dutton, of Niles, and Mark (Ruth) Dutton of Atlanta.

She was preceded in death by a son, Mark Stephens; daughter, Patricia Cushman; and daughter-in-law, Carol Stephens.

Funeral Liturgy for Shirley will be recited at 1 p.m. today at Halbritter Funeral Home with the Rev. David Otto of Saint Mary Catholic Church officiating. Interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 11 a.m. today until time of services at the funeral home.

Donations in memory of Shirley J. Stephens maybe made to either the Christian Service Center or to Hospice at Home.