Shirley Ann (Nudd) Bricker

Shirley Ann (Nudd) Bricker passed away at home on May 22, 2024, at the age of 91. Born to Kenneth and Anna Nudd in LaHarpe, IL on September 27, 1932, she was a beacon of light and warmth in every community in which she resided. In 1951, she married her beloved Donald Bricker, beginning a shared life filled with love and devotion.

A stay-at-home mom for the first twelve years of family life, Shirley joined the workforce when her youngest child started school, beginning a career with the U.S. Postal Service. She started as a Clerk in the Hamilton (IL) Post Office and retired as a Postmaster in Mt. Sterling (IL), also working in Quincy and Pittsfield along the way.

She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who was always there when needed the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. Her four children survive – Earl and son-in-law Rob Cane; Susan and son-in-law Kevin Grant; Valerie Linnenburger; and Kenneth and daughter-in-law Christina Bricker. Her nine grandchildren – Jason Linnenburger, Amelia Dallas (Shawn), Marci Linnenburger (Keith Tackett), Curtis Grant (Melissa), James Grant (Heather), Donald Bricker, Anna Jones (Eugene), Marissa Marshall, and Elizabeth Marshall – will also carry her legacy of kindness and joy. She is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren.

She was always willing to serve as a volunteer for nonprofit and community betterment groups in each of the three communities she called home: Hamilton, LaHarpe, and Mt. Sterling. Most notably, she served as a member of the library board in each of those communities which reflected her lifelong love of books and reading. Anyone who knew Shirley knew of her love of playing cards, in particular bridge and euchre. Jeopardy was a daily pleasure, and thanks to cable TV, sometimes more than once a day. She enjoyed traveling and often spoke of how much she loved visiting New Orleans and Hawaii with Don.

Predeceased by her parents and husband and a beloved son-in-law, Mike Linnenburger, in addition to children and grandchildren she is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Karolyn Nudd, and Kim Bricker, mother of Donald and Anna.

Per her wishes, there will be a graveside service for family at the Raritan Cemetery, Raritan, Illinois,  where she will be laid to rest by her husband. Shirley Bricker will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her. Memorials may be extended to Salem United Church of Christ (Quincy, IL), Union Church (LaHarpe, IL), the Illinois Talking Book service, or the library of your choice. Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe is assisting with arrangements. To leave a condolence, please visit Shirley’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.