Shirley M. Tewell, nee Weiss, 98, of Freeburg, IL, born July 25, 1926, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Cedar Trails Senior Living, Freeburg, IL.
Mrs. Tewell received her degree from Deaconess School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO. Her first job as a registered nurse was at Scott Air Force Base, where she met Donald Tewell, an Air Force medic, who became her husband on August 30, 1949. To this union, three children were born. Shirley later worked as a nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald J. Tewell; her parents, Rufus and Viola, nee Lurtz, Weiss; a sister, Patty Bruehl; and two sons-in-law, Henry “Skip” Taylor and Dale Smith.
She is survived by two daughters, Donna Smith and Sheila (Ron) Learned; a son, Dennis (Sheila) Tewell; six grandchildren, Jason (Terez) Taylor, Derrick (Krystel) Tewell, Ryan (Todd) Dufaur, Alex (Brad) Jones, Andrea Rehmer, and Joshua Rehmer; seven great-grandchildren, Brayden Taylor, Eloise Tewell, Hazel Tewell, Reese Jones, Joshua Rehmer, Kaleb Rehmer, and Alonna Rehmer.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
A private graveside will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, Freeburg, IL.
