Shirley Rae Cooper, 86, Beardstown, died Sunday, February 19, 2023, at her residence. She was born on February 22, 1936, in Beardstown, the daughter of Ray and Margaret Oleson Matthews. She married Donald Cooper on February 23, 1957, at the First Lutheran Church in Beardstown, and he survives.

She is also survived by her children, Kathy (Ed) Quigley, of Beardstown, Daniel (Linda) Cooper, of Arenzville, Thomas (Terri) Cooper, of Beardstown, Lori (Keith) Kircher, of Arenzville; grandchildren, Donrae, Heather, Lacey, Daylon, Andy, Allie, Clint, Kayla, Adam; 10 great- grandchildren; and sister, Dorothy Schultz, of Vandalia.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, William Matthews, Bud Carlock and grandson, Nathan.

Shirley graduated from Beardstown High School before working at the Franklin Life Insurance Company and Beardstown Dairy Queen. She was a member of the Emblem Club and First Lutheran Church of Beardstown. She enjoyed cooking, baking and most especially spending time and caring for Donald, their children, and grandchildren.

The family will host a Celebration of Life, at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Beardstown Elks Club. A private interment will take place at Beardstown City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Elks Crippled Children Fund and Illinois Valley Shriners. Condolences may be left online at www.sagerfuneralhome.com.