Shirley Jean (Andrews) Heidbrink

Shirley Jean Heidbrink (Andrews) 89 of Staunton passed away Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. She was born on April 16, 1931 to Harry and Inez Andrews. Shirley married George Heidbrink on June 20, 1954.  

Shirley graduated from Illinois State University where she received a degree in art.  She was an art teacher first in Alton Public Schools and then was hired in Staunton to create an art program for the district.  Several generations of Staunton students can remember projects that they created in her art classes such as paper mache’ pumpkins, clay banks, and paintings.

Shirley and George were avid campers and traveled throughout the United States with their daughter Claire.  Shirley was an accomplished seamstress and she often gave handmade smocked dresses to young family and friends.

She adored her grandchildren Andrea and Bryce and loved it when they came to visit. Many projects were done and visits often included trips to the zoo, Grant’s Farm or the Magic house. 

She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid.  Shirley created many of the banners that are used in the church. She was also a member of the Lydia quilting circle and Altar Guild.  

Shirley was on the committee that created Duda Park on Union Street. And she worked on the Main Street Initiative Project.  Shirley also helped organize the first juried art fair at Duda Park. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, sister Colleen McLauchlan and her husband Fran, brother in law and sister and law David and Dicksie Heidbrink. 

She is survived by her daughter Claire Ribelin and her husband Mark and grandchildren Andrea and Bryce, nieces Renee Guenther and her husband Tom, Wendy Brummitt and her husband Greg and nephews Brian Heidbrink and his wife Dawn and Doug Heidbrink and his wife Nancy.

Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Service will be Wednesday October 28, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Kelly Mitteis officiating. Burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton. Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church of Staunton, IL.

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