Sharon Louise (Malloy) Shanks

SHARON SHANKS

JERSEYVILLE -  Sharon Louise Shanks, 86, died at 7:50 p.m., Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville.

She was born in Jerseyville, Illinois on March 28, 1938, one of six children and the only daughter of Robert O. and Eva Lena (Ritter) Malloy.

In her early years, Sharon worked at International Shoe Factory in Jerseyville, but after her marriage chose to stay at home and raise her family.   She was the ultimate Mom and Grandma, and her sole focus in life was to be a caregiver.

She was lovingly there for not only her children and grandchildren, but for everyone else as well, as she gave her love and time to her parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, and everyone else that was blessed to receive her acts of love.   She had a knack for making you feel special, and her title of Mom and Grandma went beyond her own children and grandchildren, especially after she began volunteering in the lunchroom at Holy Ghost Catholic School, where she touched even more lives.

She was deeply rooted in her family, as well as her faith, and was honored to receive the Woman of Distinction Award in 2017, bestowed upon her by the Bishop.  In addition to being a loving and caring woman, she could also have quite possibly been Elvis Presley's biggest fan.

She married  Paul D. "Sam" Shanks Sr. on November 15, 1958 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, and together they shared nearly 38 years of marriage before his death on October 12, 1996.

Surviving are her two daughters,  Marsha Lott and Patricia Sweeney both of Jerseyville; six grandchildren and their spouses, DeWayne and Cheryl Lott of Jerseyville, Adam and Beth Lott of Grafton, Ryan and Kathy Lott of Pinckneyville, Kristina Lott of Jerseyville, Natasha and Tim Harmon of Jerseyville, and Alexis Sweeney of Williamsville, NY;  five great grandchildren, Walker, Samantha, Mason and Hayden Lott, and Ava Harmon; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a beloved son, Paul D. "Sammy" Shanks Jr. on Dec. 19, 2006; and five brothers, Gene Malloy, Robert A. Malloy, Thomas Malloy, James Malloy, and Terry Joe Malloy in infancy.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Martin Smith officiating.

She will be laid to rest in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville.

Memorials may be given to St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville.

Memories may be shared at www.crawfordfunerals.com.

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