Shirley J. Houghton

Shirley J. Houghton, 88, passed away on August 8, 2023 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL.

Shirley was born on January 15, 1935 in Freeport to daughter of Thomas and Lilas (Wittbecker) Maher.

Shirley graduated Freeport High School in 1953. She married Robert "Bob" Houghton on February 8, 1958 at Ridott Evangelical Church. He preceded her in death on June 10, 2010. Shirley worked at the Illinois Bell Phone Company and then worked as a Supervisor of the Records Department at Economy Fire and Casualty for 25 years prior to her retirement. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Freeport and enjoyed singing in the choir. After her retirement you could find Shirley volunteering at FHN Memorial Hospital as a Greeter. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and always had their games on. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and grandchildren, especially attending events that her grandchildren participated in and hosting and attending family cookouts.

Shirley is survived by her children Dale (Jaime) Houghton of Marengo, Sue (Dan) Rieger of Freeport, Jeff Houghton of Fenton, MO, Dan (Mindy) Houghton of Chandler. AZ; seven grandchildren, J. R., Grace, Jessica, Cal, Katie, Payton, Abigail; two great-grandchildren, Aidan, Addison; one sister-in-law, Lois Maher; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Pamela Sue; three brothers, Don Maher, Bob Maher and Bill Hiteman.

Visitation will be from 1:00pm until the time of funeral service at 2:00pm on Friday August 18, 2023 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home 504 North Walnut Avenue Freeport, IL 61032 with Pastor Steve Rios, officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, IL.

A memorial has been established in Shirley’s memory.

Online condolences can be made at www.burketubbs.com.

Funeral arrangements were trusted to Burke Tubbs Funeral Home - Freeport, 504 N. Walnut St. Freeport, IL 61032, (815) 233-0613