Shirley J. Hubbs

Shirley J. Hubbs, 83, of East Peoria, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Indiana University Hospital West in Indianapolis. She was born on November 3, 1940, in Monmouth, IL, to A. Dewey and Grace (Sawyers) Rhea. Shirley grew up in the small town of Dallas City, IL. She married her husband of 63 years, Jerrold M. Hubbs, on June 5, 1960; he survives. She is also survived by her two children, Janet (Rev. Gerald) Coates of Avon, Indiana, and Chaplain (Lt. Colonel) John Hubbs of Vicenza, Italy; her “adopted son” Tarcisio (Maria Candida) Kroetz of Curitiba, Brazil; her brother, David (Sigrid) Rhea of Florida; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, D. Douglas Rhea, M. Louise Peterson, James S. Rhea, and Larry D. Rhea. Shirley and her husband Jerrold moved to the East Peoria area in 1963. When her children were young, she worked part-time at the Sears store in Peoria and later as the secretary to the director of the Peoria Christian Center. Once her children reached school age, Shirley was employed by District 86 in East Peoria, first serving at Washington Elementary School as a teacher’s aide and later as the school secretary at Bolin School and Shute School. She loved the children and the staff she worked with. In retirement, she stayed active, traveling, volunteering at church and the local Mission Mart, and attending a Bible study group. She and Jerrold also loved regular breakfast or lunch meetings with former co-workers from District 86. Giving and serving were characteristic of Shirley’s life. She consistently served the Lord and His church throughout her lifetime, right up until June 2023, when she first became ill. She had served as a youth worker, a children’s worker, a camp counselor, a VBS director, a choir member, and a board member. If there was help needed in food preparation or for an event, she was a ready and willing volunteer. If Shirley knew of a friend or family member in need, she was prepared to offer her help, her prayers, and her home. If a friend was sick or bereaved, she would have food ready to take to them. If she saw someone needed a coat or gloves, she would be off to the store to make a purchase. If a family member or friend needed a place to stay, her home was open. She had the true gift of biblical hospitality ̶ an open heart and an open home. Shirley loved her husband, children, and grandchildren deeply. She never met a stranger and had a way of making you feel like a friend the first time you met her. This deep love for people came from her deep love for Jesus. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Pekin First Nazarene Church, with additional visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Chaplain John Hubbs and Rev. Gerald Coates will officiate. Burial will follow at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. Memorial contributions may be made to International Childcare Ministries. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Shirley J. Hubbs

November 3, 1940 - April 1, 2024