January 8, 2026

Dear Friends of Shirley Carlin,

We are deeply saddened to let you know that Shirley Carlin, quietly passed away on January 7, 2026, here at EverTrue Meramec Bluffs in Ballwin, Missouri.
Shirley touched and positively impacted the lives of so many people on her 98 year-long journeys through life.
A few highlights:

Shirley volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, worked as receptionist for Evenglow Lodge Retirement Community in Pontiac, volunteered for the Veterans Association, and volunteered her services to numerous charities and organizations in Illinois and in Florida.

Shirley worked at the Illinois State Penitentiary as account and reconciling the state's financial records.  She was presented with a special award from the Governor of Illinois for perfectly balancing the Pontiac Penitentiary's financial records for an entire year.  It was a rare and special recognition.

Shirley Carlin was a very outgoing and social person who always sought ways to assist and please others.  She was always busy and muti-tasking.  Just a few examples: Shirley played the accordion for the USO during WWII when she was 14 years old.  She was President of the Pontiac American Legion Auxiliary where she was a member for 80 years.  She operated an airport taxi service to and from Tampa International airport.

Shirley also toured numerous countries in Europe, Hawaii, the Republic of Panama, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Venezuela, San Blas Islands, and several other countries and exotic locations.

There are many family stories about Shirley's lifelong traveling experiences -- most of them remain in our collective memories.  Suffice it to say, Shirley enjoyed an active, well-traveled and diversified life while raising three amazing girls, marrying two loving husbands, and was always ready for another adventure.

Shirley will be remembered for her generosity, witty sense of humor and her willingness to always help others.

Shirley is survived by her three daughters, two sons-in-law, 4 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.