Obituary
Shirley Jean Duff, age 83, of Mexico, Mo., formerly of Centralia Mo., began her journey to heaven Wednesday morning May 19, 2010 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Shirley was born May 14, 1927 in Pleasantville, Ill., the daughter of Byron Dewey Foster and Ava Mildred Atkins and they preceded her in death. She married Charles Lee Duff of Centralia, Mo on March 31, 1948 at the First Christian Church, Centralia Mo. She is survived by 5 children: Jerry Duff and wife, Mary Jane, of Smithville, Mo., David Duff of Mexico, Mo., Jeanne Crowley and husband, Mark, of Columbia, Mo., Bobby Duff and wife, Jackie, of Jefferson City, Mo., and Nancy Buck and husband, Glenn, of Mexico, Mo. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Rachel and Stefanie Duff of Smithville, Joshua, Margaret and Evan Crowley of Columbia, Kassie Duff of Springfield, Caitlyn Duff of Jefferson City, and Monte, Sierra and Savana Buck of Mexico, Mo.
Shirley graduated in 1945 from Hickman High School in Columbia, Mo. and was involved in numerous groups and activities including the Junior Red Cross. She remained a dedicated supporter of the United States Military. She also attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. An avid Missouri Tiger fan, she always wore her Mizzou Tiger apparel while cheering them on as she watched on television. She taught a number of years in county schools, including Friendship, Lawson and Payne in Audrain, Boone and Callaway Counties. She also taught at Sims School east of Thompson Mo. prior to teaching at Eugene Field Elementary in Mexico, Mo. Later in her teaching career, Shirley was a substitute teacher for Centralia and Sturgeon Public Schools.
Shirley and Charles raised their family and farmed for many years northwest of Centralia, Mo. Shirley remained very interested in horses and dogs after being a leader in the F & L Hustler 4-H Club for many years and was an active leader in Audrain County 4-H. She especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren pursue their various interests and hobbies.
She was also preceded in death by one brother, Wilbur N. Foster.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rush Hill Community Church, Church St., Rush Hill, Mo. 65280
