Shirley Ilene Prater Hale

Shirley Ilene Prater Hale, 86, of Thebes, died on Nov. 26, 2022, at Aspire Senior Living Advance in Advance, Mo.

She was born on July 19, 1936, in Gale, the daughter of Herbert and Ollie Busby Prater.

She married James E. Hale Sr. in 1954. They had one son, James E. Hale Jr. on Jan. 2, 1958. 

You could almost always find Shirley in the kitchen cooking a home cooked meal or reading her favorite books in her spare time. She loved to spend time with her family and she will be missed dearly. 

She is survived by her son, James (Michelle) E. Hale Jr. of Thebes; four grandchildren, Jennifer Hale of Thebes, James (Seana) W. Hale of Tamms, Sarah M. Schweitzer of Cape Girardeau and Dylan (Madison Petermichel) Hale of Thebes; eight great-grandchildren, Triston Henderson of Thebes, Jeremiah Hale, Chloe Arnak, Caleb Hale, Corbin Hale, all of Tamms, Jeven Dickerson of Denver, Colo., Kingsley Suma of Cape Girardeau and Kolton Hale of Thebes; one great-grandchild on the way; a sister, Sandra Hale of McClure; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James E. Hale Sr.; a great-granddaughter, Chloe Zinger; and several brothers and sisters. 

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes, with the Rev. Jimmie Monahan officiating. Interment followed the service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.

Memorials can be made to Crain Funeral Home. 

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms was in charge of arrangements.