Shirley Anne Gustafson, 80, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at her home.

She was born December 4, 1944, in Sycamore, Illinois, the daughter of J. Ragnar and Dorothy (Parsons) Gustafson.

Shirley was a 1963 graduate of sycamore high school. She had a long career at GTE Communications in Genoa, IL and retired from Northern IL University. 

Shirley loved watching her kids play softball and also played herself back in the day. Christmas was her favorite time of the year from making her favorite home cooked dishes, shopping and spending time with her family. There wasn’t any animal that didn’t gravitate towards her, she leaves behind her dogs and one cat who helped provide comfort in her final days. 

Shirley is survived by her husband Robert Lowery of DeKalb, her son Johnnie Smith (Shelley), daughter Brenda Smith. Grandchildren Kaitlin Smith, Ella Smith-Denton and Jackson Smith-Denton. Sister Sandy Garland and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Phillip, Dale, Jerry Gustafson and her sister Janet  Phillips.

No services will be held at this time. 

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

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022