Shirley Austin

Shirley A. Austin, 85, of Antioch, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11th, 2026. She was born in Chicago, Illinois to Walter and Ardis (Whiting) Wolff on May 2, 1940. Several years later the family moved to Round Lake Beach where she graduated from Round Lake Community High school in the class of 1958. It's there, where she met the love of her life, Curtis Johnson. After school she worked as a teller for the State Bank of Round Lake for many years. Her & Curt spent many memorable times together, unfortunately that time was cut short when Curt left to serve in the U.S. Navy. After that she continued to spend time with family & friends. Although she never had children of her own, she was the aunt every child ever dreamed of. Countless hours were spent with nieces, and nephews as if they were her own. Shirley's journey only got better with time. Her & Curt reconnected at a high school reunion, and a few years later they decided to spend time enjoying each other's company again. They enjoyed traveling, watching western movies, playing cards, and enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Cubs. These were some of her fondest memories. Her other hobbies included reading western books, playing games with her sisters & girlfriends, making jelly and homemade pickles, baking, going out to lunch with her girlfriends and gardening. Her wonderful flower gardens were her pride and joy! Among all these things she loved all things in nature and enjoyed feeding the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. Shirley was living independently on her own at 85 she was very proud of herself. Among these accomplishments she was very proud of her sobriety which helped make her the strong independent woman she was. This was one of her greatest accomplishments. She was a go-getter, loved to dance, loved life, loved helping others, and having fun. She will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her. Shirley is survived by her nieces & nephews, and many wonderful friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Ardis Wolff, sisters Ardis (Tudy) Payne, Janet Buchholz, and Patricia Jelinek, and a niece Terri Jelinek. Visitation will be 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Ringa Funeral Home. A family-led funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home followed by burial at Avon Centre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Shirley's memory can be made to the charity of your choice.

Shirley Austin

May 2, 1940 - January 11, 2026

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