Elena Mary Marie Gifford, 91, of Taylorville passed away peacefully with her family at her side at 1:28pm on Thursday, April 21, 2016 in her home. She was born on February 28, 1925 in Edinburg, the daughter of Charles and Goldie Lipps Kimble. She married Lyle F. Gifford in Lansing, IL. He preceded her in death on October 13, 1971. Elena worked many years as a realtor. She was a devoted mother who raised 10 children. She was baptized in the Taylorville Christian Church. She enjoyed Bingo, sewing, crocheting, crossword puzzles and reading. She was a member of the Illinois Realtors Association.
She is survived by her children: Sharon T. Griffiths (Larry) of Taylorville, Mary Lou Shanks Harris (Kirby) of Taylorville, Barbara Shanks Lancaster (Buzz) of Kincaid, Bonny Shanks Buesking (Greg) of Mt. Auburn, Anita Shanks Badman (Billy) of Palmer, Vicki Shanks Gaillard (Greg) of Waverly, Pete Shanks (Mary) of Charleston, Brenda Kimble of Bloomington, Sandra Lancaster of Taylorville, and Steven Gifford (Jacqueline) of Bloomington; grandchildren: Larry Joe Griffiths, Gina Davis, Sonny Griffiths, Jamey Griffiths, Tammy Wagahoff, Angela Dees, Jeff Graham, Lisa Durbin, Teri Deal, Kenny Badman, Molly Miller, Johnny Harris Jr., Michael J. Harris, Lori Badman Williams, Josh Badman, Andy Buschon, Amy Buschon Kantor, Amanda Buschon, Kate Shanks, Brittany Hany, Abby May, Erika May, Matthew Lancaster, Lyle Gifford, and Sylvia Gifford; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; Brother: Edgar Ray Kimble of Taylorville; sister-in-law: Vella Kimble of Taylorville; brother-in-law: Abraham Perez of Merrillville, IN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, first husband: Harold L. Shanks, step-father: Paul Day, sister: Yolanda Perez, brother: Charles Kimble, one grandson: Billy Ray Badman, and one great grandson: Darren Alan Durbin.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Rev. Chad Foster officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Saturday. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.
Memorials may be made to Taylorville Memorial Hospital. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Elena or condolences to the family may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
