Shirley M. Binder

Shirley Mae Binder, passed peacefully in her sleep on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022 at Country Comfort Retirement Home in Elmwood, Illinois. Shirley Mae Binder was born May 14, 1930 to Donald and Maurine Parson in Peoria, Illinois. Shirley graduated from Woodruff High School, Peoria, in 1948 and went directly to Illinois Bell to begin her employment. She shared her parents with one sister, Charlotte Draksler. She married Carl A. Trombino in 1949, divorced in 1961 having one daughter, Linda. She later married Claire FW Binder in 1962 added a stepson Dennis and a year later had twins, Elizabeth and Dana. Shirley's adventures began with Claire as they moved to Nevis, Minnesota in 1967 after purchasing a grocery store in this little town and raising their twins there for 6 years. Shirley was responsible for health and beauty retail and keeping track of those twins. As grandchildren started to arrive, she and Claire moved back to Peoria and she was welcomed back to Illinois Bell as a telephone operator which she continued her loyalty of employment until retiring in 1985. Shirley went back to work with Biehl's Dry Cleaning for 13 more years despite her active life with her child...[more]

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and grandchildren. Her husband Claire passed in 2012 after celebrating 50 years of marriage. A few years later, Shirley's next adventures took her to Vero Beach, FL for two years with her daughter, Linda and then to Midland, TX to reside with daughter, Elizabeth. The adventures of travels to and from Florida, Alabama, Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, and Alaska kept this 'traveling Gigi' quite busy for several years and she loved to go! Her children were most important to her and having everyone together was the best "surprise" she could ever ask for. Shirley loved relaxing with her embroidery work and was always up for a game of Yahtzee or cards. Her sense of humor was contagious, hilarious and sometimes unexpected. Always a smile on her face and a desire in her heart to live life to the fullest on her terms. Shirley belonged to Christ Lutheran Church, Peoria, IL and was a member of the LWML and Bell Choir and later at Christ Lutheran Church in Normal, IL and involved in Sharing Joy Bible class. Shirley is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Claire FW Binder, son, Dennis Binder, sister, Charlotte Draksler and Char's husband, Klement Draksler. Shirley leaves behind her daughters Linda (Daniel M.) Dolen and Elizabeth Binder, son, Dana Binder and grandchildren Daniel E. Dolen, Tiffany (Scott) Russell, Erin Binder, Meghan (Jordan) Krusa, David (Destiny) Wiebler, Brittany Binder, Joseph Binder and Hope Binder. Eleven great grandchildren, "special son" Raymond Gurrola, and several nieces and nephews. We all felt her passing was her final call as Telephone Operator 105 and believe it went something like this; Shirley: Operator 105, how may I direct your call? God: Hi Shirley, I'm calling to bring you home! Shirley: Oh boy! Bags packed and ready to go!! And off our mother went on her next big adventure! Special thanks to the caring and loving staff at Country Comfort Retirement Home in Elmwood, Illinois and the OSF Hospice Home Health team for providing a safe, comfortable, peaceful and loving home for our beautiful Mom. A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 2020 W. Malone Avenue, Peoria, IL on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 11am. Shirley and her family request in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Christ Lutheran Church on her behalf. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.