Patricia (Swaim) Shields

Patricia “Pat” Ann Shields, 91, of Rantoul, IL went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Carle Hospital, Urbana, IL.

She was born September 12, 1931 in Normal, IL, a daughter of Vernon and Amanda (Brandt) Swaim.  She married F. Duane Shields in 1951.

She is survived by 7 children, Curtis (Diane) Shields of Rantoul; Philip (Deborah) Shields of Fisher, IL; Monte (Colleen) Shields of Rantoul; Jodi (Joe) Lemkemann of East Peoria, IL; Rick (Lori) Shields of Rantoul, Cynthia (Joe) Creech of Granger, IN; Greg (Penny) Shields of Rantoul, and 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by 3 grandchildren, Julie and Colin Shields and Garrett Shields.

Pat attended the University of Illinois.  She attended Christian Life Church, Rantoul.  She was the matriarch of the family, loving, nurturing and raising her 7 children.  She loved flowers and was an accomplished gardener.  She was an avid reader, and practically wore out her Bible.  She founded Shields Arabians in 1974 where she bred and raised Arabian horses, earning several Regional and National Championship Awards.  Many days you would find her listening to and singing Christian music.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 on Monday, August 28 at the Christian Life Church, Rantoul.  Family will be greeting friends for one hour prior to the service.  Private Burial will be at Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul prior to the service.

Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul is handling the arrangements.