Shirley Wilmes (Thurston)

Shirley June Wilmes, age 78, a determined but generous mother and grandmother, died July 3, 2012 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Shirley was born on June 23, 1934 in Toulon, IL to Elmer and Hazel Thurston. Shirley married John Wilmes on May 10, 1995 and they moved to Lake Havasu City and became members of Community Presbyterian Church. Shirley grew up on a farm and maintained a fascination with old barns. She found great joy in taking pictures of old and unique barns that were discovered as she and John traveled throughout the country. Shirley was an accomplished seamstress and loved to embroider items for family and friends. She also had a great fondness for Hummingbirds and created quite a collection over the years. Shirley loved to share her “Treasures” with her guests and those she loved. This could be many for she never met a stranger. Shirley cherished the time spent visiting with people of all ages, although she saved a large part of her heart for children, especially babies. With this in mind, Shirley remained a supporter of St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital for many years. Shirley is survived by her husband John Wilmes, her daughter Karen Kleemann and her husband Mark of Itasca, IL, son Steve Smith and his wife Patt, of Kewanee, IL, stepson Jim Wilmes and his wife CeCe of Midland, TX, stepdaughter Joan Wilmes of Midland, TX, sisters Doris Stevenson of California, Mary Grammar of Indiana and Ruby Bass and her husband Roger of Illinois, brothers Elmer Thurston and his wife Eva of Illinois and Kenny Thurston and his wife Crystal of Virginia, grandchildren Megan and Marissa Kleeman and Bryan, Joshua and Lacey Smith and 3 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Shirley’s family wishes to express their appreciation for the skills and kindness of the personnel and staff of Jasmine House and Hospice of Havasu. Memorial services will be held on Saturday July 7, 2012 at 10:00 am at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home with Dr David Bybee officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The St. Jude Childrens Hospital or Hospice of Havasu. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.