Shirley J. Skortz's Obituary
Shirley J. Skortz, 97 years old, of Oakdale, IL, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 4:08 a.m., in Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, IL.
Shirley was born on July 11, 1928 in St. Louis, MO, a daughter to Turner G. and Esther J. (Rosemeyer) Stokes. On February 28, 1948, she married Homer J. Skortz in Los Angeles, CA, and he preceded her in death on December 26, 2020, after 72 years of marriage. She was a member at Oak Grove Baptist Church, in Pinckneyville, IL and loved reading the Bible. Shirley enjoyed knitting and was the best pie maker around, especially rhubarb and blackberry. Shirley was a homemaker and she loved spending time with her kids and grandkids. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her four children, Steve G. Skortz of Oakdale, IL, Jeannie (Tony) Braun of Oakdale, IL, Joseph W. (Lisa) Skortz of Belleville, IL, and Debbie M. Rushing of WI; one sister, Dana Hackbarth; ten grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Homer; and one sister, Gloria Hall.
A funeral service will be held at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL, on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with Brother Rob Mathis officiating. Interment will be in Concord Baptist Cemetery, Rice, IL.
Visitation will be held at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Oakdale, IL has been entrusted with arrangements.
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