Shirley Voelker

Shirley Lou Syx Voelker, 78, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Jackson Manor, surrounded by her family.

She was born July 19, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio, daughter of Edward and Leona Dollie Warren Syx.

Shirley was the youngest of 14 children. The daughter of a West Virginia coal miner, she grew up having little money but was rich with an abundance of love. On March 18, 1952, at the age of 16, she eloped to Piggott, Ark., with William Voelker, who preceded her in death April 2, 2013. They were married 61 years.

She worked as a presser at Courtesy Cleaners 18 years and later became employed at Venture, where she retired as assistant manager of merchandising. Her hobby was being a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother.

She spent all her extra time and energy caring, loving and nurturing her family. Her awards list consisted of "Best Mom and Grandma." She loved the Christmas holidays, and worked hard to put away a little money each week in a Christmas club to make sure her children had presents under the tree.

She is survived by three children, Tina (Jim) Trickey of Cape Girardeau, Pamala (Perry) Evans of Jackson and Rick (Molly) Voelker of Hillsboro, Mo.; 10 grandchildren, Heather Cato of Walla Walla, Wash., Jason Trickey of Jackson, Brandy (Chris) Webb of Sedgewickville, Mo., Lance Evans of Patton, Mo., Hailey Whittaker of Hillsboro, Dawn Roberts and Darren Voelker of Cape Girardeau, Brittany and Paige Voelker of Marquand, Mo., and Greg Voelker of Chaffee, Mo.; 12 great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Mattison Webb, Cloey Evans, Gracen and Alexis Trickey, Piper, Grant, Grady, Riley, Gaven, Callie and Jace Voelker.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a grandson, Jim Trickey II.

A memorial visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be at noon today, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in memory of Shirley to Southeast Hospice, who lovingly cared for her and her husband Bill through their journeys to heaven.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.