Lela Merle Shanks, 88, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Bethany Rehab and Health Care Center.

 She was born July 22, 1935, in Robinson, Illinois, the daughter of William and Faye (Buskirk) Kirk. Lela married Donald Eugene Shanks Sr. on  September 5, 1955.

 She is survived by her children Jimmy Shanks and Linda Shanks; her grandchildren Joseph Freeman, Jason Roland, Amy Roland, Adam Roland, Owen Freeman, Brent Rose and James Elvis Shanks; her great-grandchildren Daunte Thomas, Dalen Thomas, Jacori Rose, Malerie Gittleson, Matthew Gittleson, Maegan Gittleson, Leia Freeman, Jayce Roland , Cora Roland and Alyza Thomas.

 She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Sr., her son Donald “Bo” Shanks Jr. and her daughter Sharon Roland; her great-grandson Darek Thomas; her siblings Howard V. Kirk and Betsy Brashear.

 The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb. Burial will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Shanks Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.