Shirley Marie Bates McWard, 92, of Owaneco, passed away Friday, July 26 2019 at Life’s Journey Senior Living in Taylorville. She was born on October 28, 1926 in Taylorville, the daughter of Oliver C. and Harriett (DeBarr) Bates of Owaneco. She married Donald McWard on June 7, 1959 in the Owaneco United Methodist Church. Shirley graduated from Taylorville High School (1944) and Millikin University (1949) and was a registered Medical Technologist before working on the family farm.  She was especially proud of her Shorthorn cattle and Morgan horses. She was a member of Eastern Star and White Shrine (70 year member), Christian County Lady Landowners, Christian County Purebred Beef Breeders’ Association, Peter Meyer Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution (30 year member), Christian County Genealogical Society and Christian County Historical Society.  Shirley was also active in Home Extension, 4-H and the Master Gardener program.  

She is survived by her husband, Donald; Children: Marie (Patrick Kapustka), Cheryl, Dean (Venise DeVore) and Christine (Jaime Alban); Grandchildren:  Alex Kapustka, Kevin Kapustka, Claire Kapustka, Jacob McWard, Sophia Alban and Sam Alban; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Oliver Bates. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 11:00-1:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Funeral Services will follow the visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. 

Memorials may be made to Christian County Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund or Buckeye United Methodist Church 600 N 1600 East Rd, Owaneco, IL 62555. 

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Please sign our on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.