OBITUARY Mrs. Shirley Hazel (Raper) Huddlestun, age 99 of Decatur, IL formerly of Newton, IL and Gila, IL passed away at 3:00 PM - Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at her home. Funeral services celebrating Shirley's life will be held at 11:00 AM - Monday, November 28 at the Blake-Buchanan Funeral Home, Newton, IL with the Reverend C.Q. McMillion officiating. Visitation will be one hour before services. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery, Newton, IL. Memorials: First United Methodist Church, Decatur; Grace United Methodist Church, Newton; P.E.O. Chapter FN (Continuing Education Fund), Newton; or donor's choice. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.blakefh.com. Shirley was born on February 23, l9l2, in Gila, IL the daughter of Charles and Jennie (Erwin) Raper. She and H. Eugene Huddlestun, of Yale, IL were united in marriage on March 9, 1932 in Newton, IL and they celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in 2006. He preceded her in death on April 14, 2006. They were the parents of one daughter, Suzanne "Sue" Janet Huddlestun Cunningham of Decatur, IL. Mrs. Huddlestun graduated from Newton Community High School in 1930; Strayer's Business College, Washington, DC; and Olney Central College where she was recognized by Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Decatur, 82-year member of Royal Neighbors of America, and devoted member of P.E.O. Chapter FN of Newton. She and her husband, Gene, farmed in the Gila, IL area for 58 years, with the exception of four years during World War II when both worked for the U.S. War Department in Washington DC. Her greatest joy in life was her family. Surviving are her daughter, Sue Cunningham of Decatur, IL; grandson Steve (wife Betty) Cunningham of Sycamore, IL; great-granddaughters, Christy, Jessica, Melissa and husband Aaron Halcomb; great-great-grandchildren, Riley and Gavin; nephews Charles and John Gholson, Jerry and Steve Huddlestun, and Larry Cramer; niece Betty Gholson; sister-in-law Lenore Cramer; several cousins; and a host of very dear friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Gene; brother Fayette Raper; sister Ruby Gholson and dearly loved son-in-law William "Dean" Cunningham. The family wishes to thank their friends and very special caregivers for their love and compassionate care.