W. Shirley (Lamb) Derry, 88, formerly of Dallas City and LaHarpe, died at 12:45 P.M. on April 8, 2011 at Northwoods Care Centre, Belvidere, IL. Born in her family home on April 11, 1922 in Dallas City, IL to William and Josie Lamb, Shirley was the youngest of four siblings. She graduated in 1940 from Dallas City High School and married Merlin W. Derry on December 26, 1942 in Dallas City. They had three children.

Shirley worked for many years as a secretary and in 1980 completed a rigorous course of study to attain the rating of Certified Professional Secretary by the organization now known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals. The IAAPs website declares this rating the industry recognized standard of proficiency, and Shirley was duly proud of it. In later years her favorite pastime was reading. While living in La Harpe, IL, she read every novel in the public library, then gratefully accepted the library staffs offer to obtain additional books from libraries in neighboring communities.

She is survived by children, Steve (David Cunningham) Derry of Highland, IN, Penny (Joe) Clark of Estes Park, CO, and Robert (Alta, deceased) Derry of Rockford, IL; grandchildren, Matthew (Kim) Clark of St. Charles, MO, Emily Clark of St. Louis, MO, Alta (Scott) Kruger of Rockford, IL, and Angela Derry of Rockford, IL; eight great-grandchildren, two nieces and several great-nephews and great-nieces.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and siblings Irene (Charles) Cronkhite, Dorothy (Ted) Wemette, and Richard Lamb.

Visitation will be at Banks & Beals Funeral Homes in Dallas City, IL beginning at noon on Tuesday, April 12 followed by a brief service in celebration of her life at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Larry Menschel officiating. Burial will be in the Dallas City Cemetery.

Memorial donations are welcomed and may be designated for La Harpe Public Library in care of Banks & Beals Funeral Homes, PO Box 503, La Harpe, IL 61450.