Mrs. Shirley Jean (Miller) Pence, age 84, of Dallas City, Illinois passed away Monday, February 20, 2012 at 2:30 A.M. at the Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab Center in Stronghurst, Illinois.
She was born April 8, 1927 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Riley and Alma Gilmore Miller. On October 26, 1947 she married Dick Randall Pence in the First Christian Church in Dallas City, where she was a lifelong member. He preceded her in death on March 22, 2009.

Shirley attended grade school in Fort Madison and graduated from the Dallas City High School in 1945. Prior to her marriage, she worked as a legal secretary for Sam Naylor in Carthage, Illinois. Later, she worked as a secretary for Pioneer Lumber Co. for 10 years and then was secretary for the Dallas City First Christian Church for many years. At her church, she was also a member of the CWF, served as a Deaconess and sang in the choir.

In their early retirement years she and her husband took many trips with their travel trailer and wintered in Arizona for many years, She enjoyed visiting with her many friends and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and 6 of her high school classmates have kept in touch with the round robin since graduating in May 1945.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Pam (Otho) Tate and Kathy (Had) Gracey all of Dallas City, 1 son, Randy Pence of Phoenix, Arizona, grandchildren and great-grandchildren include; Aaron and Dee Tate, Brockton, Carly and Koben; Matt and Lisa Tate and Logan; Daniel and Jennifer Gracey, Madilynn and Oliver; Jerred and Lindsey Gracey, Isabella and Addison. Also surviving are 2 sisters, Marian Stahling of Appomattox, Virginia and Beverly (Bill) Milam of Lakeside, California and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Friends may call after 4:00 PM Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City where the family will meet with friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, February 23rd at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Pastor Will Fowler officiating. Burial will be in the Harris Cemetery near Dallas City. A memorial has been established for the Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab Center or Hospice Compassus of Galesburg.