Shirley D.(Alexander) Wells, 91, Milan, IL passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at her home under the care of hospice and surrounded by family. Per her wishes, private services will be held and she will be laid to rest next to her husband at Chapel Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Taylor Ridge United Methodist Church.

Shirley was born on March 16, 1935, in Jasper County, Illinois, the only child of Dorothy (Smith) Schifler and Harold Schifler. She graduated from Bloom Township High School.

On October 1, 1955, Shirley married Bruce Wells. The couple made their home in Frankfort, Illinois, where they raised their family. Shirley was a mother who was both gentle and compassionate, but also stubborn in doing what she felt was right. She took an active role in her children's early lives, supporting their education and activities. She served as a room mother, was a 4-H and Cub Scout leader and worked as the church secretary. She loved visiting with her grandchildren and great grandchildren whether by phone or occasional visit. Later, she worked as the activities director at Frankfort Terrace Nursing Home, where she dedicated 26 years of service before retiring.

In 2000, Shirley and Bruce moved to the family farm in Milan. They were members of Taylor Ridge United Methodist Church. Bruce preceded her in death in 2020.

Shirley had a love for reading and amassed a large collection of books over the years. She also had a creative spirit and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and painting. She and Bruce were avid campers who were active for many years in the Avion club. They wintered in Florida at Avion Palms and had many friends from all over the country that wintered there also; the very definition of “Snow Birds” She had fondness for birds, especially enjoyed feeding and watching cardinals and hummingbirds, and had a couple parakeets as pets who now need a new home.

She is survived by her children, Connie Wells and Ronald Wells; granddaughters, Clara Wells and Courtney Wells; great-grandchildren, William and J. Dutch Whitehead and Shaye and Thatcher Ball.

She was preceded in death by her in-laws Carl and Elizabeth Wells, sister and brothers in law; parents, Harold and Dorothy Schifler and husband, Bruce.

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