Phyllis Ann Thoreson Shields, 87, of Colchester, IL went home to be with Jesus on Thursday evening, May 5, 2022 at the Elms Nursing Home in Macomb, surrounded by her family.
She was born on August 17, 1934, in LaPrairie, IL, at home to Newman “Curly” and Mary Moore Thoreson. Phyllis was married to Paul E. Ogle on March 12, 1951 in Harrison, Arkansas for 25 years. She married Samuel L. Shields in Keokuk, Iowa on April 27, 1979.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Samuel L. Shields of Colchester; one daughter, Beverly (Mike) Drake of Macomb; one daughter-in-law, Annetta Ogle of Colchester; 11 grandchildren, Chad Passley, Golden, IL; Melissa (David) Holbek, Schaumburg, IL; Jared Passley, Peoria, IL; Danielle (David Prather) Agans, Camden, IL; Shanna Drake, Bowen, IL; Michael Ogle, Lee’s Summit, MO; Deborah (Jeremiah) Hollars, St. Joseph, MO; Nathan (Laura) Hoke, Colchester, IL; Lissa (Seth Ritter) Hoke, Colchester, IL; Autumn (Chaim) McGuire, Springfield, IL, Tawny Matthews, Blandinsville, IL; 19 great grandchildren, Lucas and Matthew Holbek, Shelby (Levi) Lamb, Taylor Lung, Nic Agans, Courtney (Tony) Johnson, Jeff Agans, Brody Orris, Jordan (Nikia) Edom, Caysen and Dylan Hollars, Darion Cleland, Audrina Hoke, Kaylyn Ritter, Maura, Miles and Mikko McGuire and Dalton Matthews and Lexi Matthews, several great-great grandchildren; one brother, Robert Thoreson of Alexandria, MO; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Newman and Mary Thoreson, one son, Michael E. Ogle (12/02/12), one daughter by marriage, Sheryl Shields (3/14/15) and one son by marriage, Mark Shields (12/23/21).
Phyllis loved her family and especially those grandkids. One of her ways of showing love to family and friends was to cook for them. She was famous for her fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, noodles, biscuits and sausage gravy, and candy at Christmas time. Her parents owned the Deluxe Café in Augusta for many years, so she had many years of experience cooking.
She and Sam spent several years in the craft business after they both retired from WIU, where she was a building service worker for about 20 years. She had a talent for crocheting. She made afghans for all the family, doilies, tablecloths, and she crocheted many small and large angels for Christmas trees. Spoon River Drive at London Mills and Labor Day at Argyle Lake (under the pine trees) were always their favorite craft shows. Her sister-in-law, Shirley Thoreson, taught her the art of quilting.
Sam got her interested in hunting and she would try new ways to make delicious recipes from deer meat. They both were involved with the Buckskinners Muzzleloading Association. They also enjoyed riding Sam’s motorcycle. They wintered down in Frostproof and Lake Wales, Florida for many years.
She was an active member of the First Christian Church (DOC) in Macomb, and was always willing to prepare sausage gravy and biscuits for Easter, noodles for Thanksgiving and goodies for fellowship time before Church. She was also active in the Women’s group and served on several committees.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Jones Mortuary in Colchester, IL from 5 to 7pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 13th at 10:30 AM at the First Christian Church (DOC) in Macomb. Rev. Kelly Ingersoll will be officiating. Burial will follow the services at the Auburn Cemetery in Colchester, IL. Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home after 8:30 A.M. Thursday.
Memorials can be made to the Colchester Rescue Squad, the Elms Nursing Home or First Christian Church (DOC). Online condolences and memories may be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com
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