Shirley Ann Pinkstaff

Shirley Ann Pinkstaff, 85, of Robinson, IL, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN, following a fall at her residence on Tuesday. She was born on February 7, 1938, in Palestine, IL, the daughter of Kenneth & Eunice (Crawford) Kelly, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Carl O. Pinkstaff on September 7, 1976, and he preceded her in death on July 28, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her brother, John Kelly, and by her son, James M. Pinkstaff.

She is survived by her daughters, Kelly Akerboom (O'Fallon, IL), Marcy & husband Tyler Lowrance (Robinson, IL), Penny Reinoehl (Ashmore, IL), and Libby Chiodini (Oblong, IL); by her grandchildren, Rachel Akerboom, Jessica & Kurt Fuller, Gabe Lowrance, Tony & Jessica Pittenger, Heather & Anthony Gale, Hailey Newlin, Elliot Newlin, Macey Newlin, Nikki Chiodini, and Megan Chiodini; by eight great-grandchildren; by her brother, Ken Kelly (Sterling, CO); by her sister-in-law, Carole Kelly; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Shirley grew up in Robinson and was the valedictorian of the RHS Class of 1956. As a young woman, she briefly worked as a telephone operator in Willow Hill before being hired on at GTE. Here, she spent 14 years as an operator before becoming a receptionist at L.S. Heath & Sons, a career that spanned 30 years and multiple changes in ownership before she finally retired in 2002. Never one to stand idle, she worked part-time at Wal-Mart and, after retirement, at the Robinson Public Library. This should come as no surprise to those who knew her, as Shirley was passionate about literature. There wasn't a day that went by that didn't find her completely immersed in a novel. Her home library was inundated with books by authors such as Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts. This passion led her to volunteer in the Lincoln Grade School library for a time, and she selflessly gave her time to the Robinson Food Pantry as well.

When she wasn't reading, chances were that Shirley's hands were busy with a needle and thread. A talented seamstress, she sewed and hemmed countless garments for family and friends alike. Recently, she found both peace and satisfaction in dot artwork, a hobby that brought beauty and goodness to the twilight years of her life. She also enjoyed vacationing and was especially drawn to the grandeur of Gulf Shores, a location she often visited with her family. They could each speak to Shirley's independent, resolute nature. And though it wasn't in anyone's best interest to do her wrong, she proved time and again that her caring heart was full of Jesus' love. A faithful attendee of Highland Church of Christ for years, she recently started worshipping and serving alongside her daughter at Central Christian Church in Charleston. We find comfort in knowing that the one she worshipped for so long wrapped his loving arms around her Thursday to welcome her home.

A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23rd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at the funeral home, with Pastor Jeremiah Graham officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Robinson Public Library", with envelopes available at the funeral home.