Morton, Illinois — Shirley Anne (Orr) Selke, 91, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. A master knitter, her nimble hands stitched love into cancer hats, preemie blankets, hospice prayer shawls, Mother Bear Project teddy bears, and the famous knit slippers that still wander softly across kitchens and living rooms near and far.
Born June 30, 1934, in Waterloo, Iowa, to John and Ellen (Gilmore) Orr, Shirley lived generously, casting love into all she did. After graduating from Colorado Women’s College, she married Edward Selke on September 8, 1957, in Madison, Wisconsin. They shared 50 wonderful years together until his passing on February 8, 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Martha Crowley.
After navigating a childhood of moves and new beginnings, Shirley made Peoria, Illinois, her home, a place where family and selflessness were at the heart of her life. At home, Shirley expressed her love by cooking comforting meals, baking delightful treats, and offering unwavering support for her loved ones' interests and hobbies. Beyond her home life, her dedication extended to Concordia Lutheran School, where she stitched capes for the marching band, served as a room mother for many classrooms, and led Girl Scout troops with creativity and fun, all while balancing work at Long John Silver’s and Fashion Bug.
Her faith remained central throughout her life. As a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Shirley volunteered faithfully in the food pantry, organizing shelves, welcoming neighbors, and reminding everyone that kindness is best served generously. She also embraced friendship and fun as an active member of the Red Hat Society, sharing laughter and warmth wherever she went. When she wasn’t giving of herself, Shirley loved traveling with Ed, especially cruising and camping, creating cherished memories and lifelong friendships along the way.
She is survived by her children: Daniel (Lynn) Selke, Lynn (Terry) Isbell, Laura (Pete) Martin, and Jennifer “Willy” (Matt) Lovin. She was the proud grandmother of Zackary, Elizabeth, Katelyn, Noah, Job, Paul, Ashley, Jessica, Julie, Amanda, Sarah, Megan, and Emily, and a delighted great-grandmother to fourteen great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever cherish her spirited demeanor, her creative touch, and her unwavering love.
Shirley’s life was a skein of faith, family, and love, patiently knit, row by row, into something enduring and beautiful. May her memory wrap us in comfort, the way her handmade gifts (and those slippers) so often did.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Shirley’s life on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 135 NE Randolph Ave., Peoria, IL. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor. And if you want to celebrate her spirit, let generosity be your pattern and create something beautiful — because that’s what Shirley would do.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Abts Mortuary in Pekin, IL. Share condolences online at abtsmortuary.com.
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