Shirley Jean (Wicks) Oberly, 80, of Eldridge, passed away on June 4, 2026, peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer.
She had the love of her family around her and will be deeply missed. She was 80 years young.
Shirley Jean (Wicks) Oberly was born March 2, 1946, in Monmouth, Ill., to Dwayne and Martha (Lefler) Wicks. Shirley was the oldest of seven. She graduated from Monmouth High School in 1964. She loved going to school, taking piano lessons, and spending time with her friends.
Shirley was united in marriage to Lewis “Lou” Henry Oberly on Feb. 24, 1970, in Quincy, Ill. She was married to the love of her life for 31 years before Lou’s passing on April 7, 2001. She and Lou would regularly attend the Mississippi Valley Fair concert series. Some of her favorite artists were George Jones, Alan Jackson, Reba McIntire, and Tanya Tucker, to name a few. They would also regularly visit craft fairs around the area. One of her favorite fall craft fairs was Spoon River Scenic Drive. She loved collecting antiques. Some of her cherished antiques were made by her grandfather.
Shirley’s early working years included working in the kitchen at Monmouth Hospital, Kelly Cleaners, Monmouth, Wyngaard, producer of TV antennas and circuit boards, an Ordinance Plant, making ammunition, and then made her way to Maytag (fka Admiral), where Shirley retired from in 1999 after 30 years of service.
Shirley’s most memorable and joyous times were spent with her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were at the center of her world.
Left to honor Shirley’s memory are her siblings, Gary (Rose) Wicks, Ronald “Ronnie” (Lee) Wicks, Dale Wicks, Lola “Cathy” Wicks, and Earl (Laura) Wicks; son, Roger (Bev) Dowell, and daughters, Lesley (Chris) Carter, Chris (Charlie) Oberly-Young, and Angela Zybarth; grandchildren, Anthony (Joseph “Joey”) Schulte, Kristin (Jay) Thomas, Rebecca (James) Mesplay, John (Joslynn) Dowell, Baileigh (James) Simpson, Bryant Swanson (Katrina Lesner), Casey (Erin) Oberly, Cody Maxson, and Autumn Zybarth; and 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Lou, she is preceded in death by her parents and infant sister, Baby Girl Wicks.
Services were held on Saturday, June 13, at 10 a.m., at Oakdale Cemetery Mausoleum with interment at the gravesite. Memorials may be made to MercyOne Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, or to her family. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.rungemortuary.com.
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