Shirley Ann Little, 85, of Fountain Green, Illinois, formerly of Niota, Illinois, passed away at 3:20 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2022 at her home.

Shirley was born November 4, 1936 in Watertown, South Dakota, the daughter of George and Thelma Rowe. In 1962 she married Terrence "Sonny" Little. He preceded her in death on September 14, 1998.

In her younger years, Shirley's father was a water tower manufacturer and his work took the family all over the United States. Her husband, Sonny, had the same occupation which continued her travels across the country. She worked at various jobs, including caregiver, waitressing, and working at a glass manufacturing company in Streator, Illinois, where she was influential in organizing a female glass workers union.

She and her family moved to the Niota area in 1977. Shirley worked for many years at Riverview Supper Club in Dallas City.

Survivors include two sons: Cole (Debbie) Little of Fountain Green and Todd Little of Lomax, Illinois; five grandchildren: Raina (Blake) Dameron, Riley Little, Ryder Little, Aurora (Derek) Churchwell and Sonny (Gwen) Little and one great-granddaughter: Ada Churchwell.

Mrs. Little was preceded in death by her husband: Sonny; one brother: Jake Rowe and one sister: Margie Hughes.

Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home

A Celebration of Shirley's Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 28, 2022 at the Dallas City Senior Center. Inurnment will be in Tull Cemetery, near Niota. A memorial fund has been established for Tull Cemetery. Memorial may be sent to the Shirley Little Memorial Fund, c/o Banks & Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 70, Dallas City, Illinois 62330.

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit Shirley's obituary at banksandbeals.com.