Geraldine "Jerry" F. Shay

Geraldine “Jerry” Shay, 85, of Green Valley, passed away at 4:36 am Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Unity Point Health Pekin. 

She was born September 28, 1936 in rural Green Valley to Willard H. and Reeda M. Weyhrich Krohn. She married George M. Shay on June 20, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Sand Prairie) rural Green Valley. He passed away September 15, 1964. 

Surviving are two sons, David W. (Merlan) Shay and Gary E. (Debbie) Shay;  three daughters Cherie L. (David) Reagan, Debra A. (Chuck) Null, Melanie J. (Donnie) Blair; two stepsons Michael (Cheryl) Skaggs and Randy (Tara) Skaggs; 22 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren, one on the way; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Carol J. Krohn. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Earl R. Krohn; one daughter Michelle Diane Skaggs; and two grandsons. 

Jerry worked as the church secretary of St. John’s Lutheran Church in the 1960’s and later as the secretary of the Green Valley grade school. In the 1970’s, she worked at Farmer’s Grain and Coal and later retired from the elevator. She worked for many years as the village clerk, Sand Prairie Township clerk, and for the Green Valley Fire Department as the treasurer. 

She was a devoted life member of St. John’s Lutheran Church (Sand Prairie) in rural Green Valley. Jerry served by holding several positions within the church.

Jerry enjoyed traveling and cherished her family and enjoyed getting together with the entire family over the holidays. She also enjoyed playing cards. 

Her funeral will be at 11:00 am Monday, January 24, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran church (Sand Prairie) in Green Valley. Pastor Chris Sansom and DCE William Krueger will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday 2-4 pm at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan and one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be held at Sand Prairie Cemetery, in rural Green Valley. 

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Rd. Green Valley or the Green Valley Fire Department, 106 N Church St. Green Valley.

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