Shirley Luker Obituary

Shirley Mae Luker, age 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long illness on Saturday January 17, 2026, in Florissant, MO.

Shirley was born in a house in Windber, PA on July 28, 1945, to the late Dorothy Laverne Paxton. From the age of 2 she was raised by her parents, the late Leroy Parker Landis and Blanche Marie (Hillegass) in Shanksville, PA. Shirley's blended family included 11 siblings, 3 sons, 12 Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Larry Kenneth Lee Harness, her second husband Charles Jeffrey Luker, siblings Rick Landis, Sue Ellen Wagner, Jeff Wright, Sharon Rose, and her Grandson Joshua Harness.

She is survived by 3 sons Roy (Pam) Harness of Quincy, IL, Ronald (Stacey) Harness of Florissant, MO and Donald Harness of Quincy, IL. Her surviving siblings are Nancy Urbina, Peggy (Pat) Shaffer, Debbie McKendree, Barb Snider, Janet Goode, Charles Wright, and Richard Wright. Also surviving are 11 Grandchildren, Janie McGraw (Everett), Christopher Harness, Elizabeth Harness, Dekota Schaller, Joel Harness, Jacob Harness, Nathan Gruen, Zoey Harness, Kaira Harness, Carson Engel, Kenny Harness and two Great-granddaughters, Madison Smith and Isabella McGraw.

Shirley is a 1963 Graduate of Stoney Creek High School in Shanksville, PA. She studied the Sherwood School of Music piano program remotely in Pennsylvania and gained her diploma for successful completion. She was also trained to give piano lessons. In December of 1964 she entered into Voluntary Service through St. John's Church in Shanksville, PA and spent a year in Quincy, IL volunteering at the Good Samaritan Home. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Larry Kenneth "Kenny" Lee Harness. Shirley and Kenny were married on October 15, 1965 at St. John's Church in Shanksville, PA by the Rev. George Holtman. They settled in Quincy, IL and their journey as a family began. They had 3 sons and enjoyed family picnics at South Park, fishing along the Mississippi River bottoms and trips back to Pennsylvania to visit family. Shirley and Kenny loved visiting Maid Rite, Dixie Cream Donuts and McDonald's for coffee and sandwiches. They especially enjoyed spending time with their Grandchildren. Shirley would make pink lemonade and play card games with them. Kenny preceded her in death in 1997.

On August 31, 2002 Shirley married Charles "Jeff" Luker at Faith Assembly of God Church in Quincy, IL. They split their time between Quincy and Galesburg where he had a home. He preceded her in death in 2021.

Shirley worked at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL from 1967-1969 as a Ward Clerk. She then ran a home daycare from 1970-1977. She went on to work at St. Mary's Hospital in Quincy, IL as a Unit Secretary from 1977-1987. She had her own home cleaning business from 1987-2002 when she retired.

Shirley especially had a soft spot for animals, including her kitty cats, Pandora (Pandy) and China, and their family dogs Rusty and Sparky. Shirley loved spending time with her best friend Linda. Her more adventurous side came out and they had a lot of fun together. One of Shirley's favorite memories with Linda was attending the 1989 Great White and Tesla concert at the Hannibal, MO Riverfront.

Shirley was a very strong-willed woman and always said there was more she wanted to accomplish and that she wanted to see the world. Unfortunately, life changed after numerous illnesses and a diagnosis of Vascular Dementia. Shirley could no longer live on her own and had a difficult time accepting her loss of independence. She chose to move to St. Louis, MO and live with her son Ron and daughter-in-law Stacey, so that they could assist her with daily living as needed.

During this time Shirley attended her first professional baseball game savoring every moment of the St. Louis Cardinals defeating the Cleveland Indians in extra innings. She also went to the Stifel Theatre to see Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. She enjoyed going out to different restaurants and seasonal events. She especially enjoyed home cooked meals, relaxing on the back deck in the sun and watching Days of our Lives. Shirley said she couldn't live without her coffee as it was her "life juice". Shirley quickly made friends with the dog and cats and Baylee made a point to check on Shirley first thing every morning. The house became a little fuller last Spring after Stacey's parents had their own health issues and moved in. Shirley joked that they were the "Geriatric 3" and could start a revolution if they wanted to. Usually that meant the coffee pot was empty and she wanted more. Many birthdays, holidays and other occasions were celebrated and many memories made. During the course of taking care of Ron's mom, Shirley had one last wish and that was to die peacefully there at home with family. That request was honored. Shirley will be greatly missed by all that knew her. She is at peace and in God's hands now.

Friends and Family are invited to Shirley's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A Funeral Ceremony will be at 10:00 am Saturday, January 31, 2026, at O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Pastor Ron Tallcott will officiate. Burial will follow at New Providence Cemetery in Ursa, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association or a memorial in her name to help with final expenses.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.