Shirley Smoot

Shirley Mae (Massey) Szilagyi-Smoot, 91, of Danville, IL passed away at her home at 3:46 pm on January 2, 2023.

Shirley was born on September 19, 1931 to Frederick John and Mabel Maxine Massey in Danville, IL. In 1953, she married John Michael Szilagyi and from this union they welcomed Debra L. (David) Miller of Danville and John F. (Brenda) Szilagyi of Greenville, Missouri. They gave her five grandchildren, Cathy (Eric) Zimmer and Lindsey (Larry Jr.) Card of Danville, Trisha (Adam) Kendra of CA, Melissa (Tommy) Lavigne of UT, and Brandon (Stephanie) Szilagyi of TX. Also, ten great-grandchildren Gage and Stella Zimmer, Landyn and Livia Card, Bristol Kendra, Stella Mae and Haylee Lavigne, Caylen, Chance, and Ryleigh Szilagyi.

In 1966, Shirley married Richard R. Smoot of Tilton. Her family grew with addition of two stepsons she raised, Richard C. (Debbie) Smoot of Westville and John C. (Terri) Smoot of Tilton, two step grandsons Kyle (Sherri) Smoot and Kenny (Kala) Smoot, one step granddaughter, April Smoot and two step great grandchildren, Rayna, and Richard L. Smoot.

Shirley worked after graduation from DHS at the Palmer Bank and GE while raising Debra and John by herself. After marrying Richard, she was a stay-at-home mom involved in Cubs Scouts, Tilton PTA, and Danville Kennel Club. She later worked for 25 years at Fannie May Candies and co-owner of the Sugar Shack with Debra.

Shirley loved to show and ride horses, showing her Boxers and Great Dane, and go to her grandchildrens and great grandchildrens sport events. This summer you could find her at Oakwood Ball Park sometimes four times a week watching Stella and Livia and going to the barn to watch Livia ride. She enjoyed auctions and baking for the family and neighbors.

The last two years she has enjoyed living by her daughter and grandchild and families.

Shirley is proceeded in death by her parents, husbands, John and Richard, stepson, Richard C. Smoot, step granddaughter, April Smoot, as well as aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 9, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Bill Carpenter will officiate. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023 from 9-11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Because of her love of horses, children, and faith, memorials are requested to Hooves of Hope / Gateway Family Services Potomac, or Second Church of Christ.

Please join Shirleys family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .