Shirley Ruth Fisher, 93, of Mt. Auburn, passed away at 10:07 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Shirley was born December 19, 1929, in Taylorville, the daughter of Ollie and Lucille (Kearns) Markwell. She married Robert Paul Fisher at the Mt. Auburn Methodist Church in 1957, and they enjoyed over 64 years of marriage.  Robert preceded her in death on August 25, 2021.

Shirley graduated from Mt. Auburn High School with the Class of 1949.  She cleaned houses, the bank, and mowed lawns for many families in the Mt. Auburn area.  Shirley also worked for Hardy’s fertilizer plant for several years.  She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she was especially devoted to the Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church. Shirley had unwavering faith in her Lord, and she put him first in her life.  She donated her time and talent to the church as a Sunday School teacher and pianist for many years. Shirley loved the outdoors, and bird watching, cardinals being her favorite.  She was an excellent cook and continued to play the piano in her spare time.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Judith Marie Fisher; son, Daniel Shafer; great grandson, Koty Cook; daughter-in-law, Tineal D. Fisher; and 5 sisters.

Shirley is survived by her son, Kenneth Fisher of Taylorville; daughters, Debra Fisher-Knowles of Mt. Auburn, Sandra (husband, Anthony) Gudausky of Harristown, and Michelle (husband, Michael) Abbott of Mechanicsburg; grandchildren, Christopher, David, and Shawn Fisher, Crystal Cook Young, Kent Cook, Jasmine Gregg, Melissa Carey, Ivy Knowles, Jennifer, Christina, and Jessica Stephens, and Alisha Abbott-Yoch; 25 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568. 

Additional Visitation & Funeral Ceremony: The family will receive guests from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home. The funeral ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Cody Battefeld officiating.

Interment will follow the funeral ceremony at Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church, 202 S. Elm Street, Mt. Auburn, IL 62547.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Shirley, or to offer condolences to her family.