Shirley Louise (Pirtle) Churchman, age 90, of Pekin, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026. Born November 22, 1935 in Valeene, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Harley Pirtle and Pauline (Stroud) Pirtle. On November 20, 1954, she married Thomas Churchman who preceded her in death on January 16, 2022.
Shirley was a graduate of Salem High School, Class of 1954; she was Church of Christ by faith; and was a homemaker.
She is survived by her 6 children: Paula (Cody) Keltner, James (Kay) Churchman, Karen Marker, John Churchman, Steven Churchman, and David (Kim) Churchman; 1 sister: Sharon Karnes Kirkland; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Pauline Pirtle; her husband, Thomas Churchman; her brother, Gary Pirtle; 2 great-grandchildren: Braxton Churchman and Holden Ratts; and her son-in-law, Ron Marker.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Salem Chapel with Jeremy Goen officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, January 5, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Burial to follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.
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