Obituaries
Obituary: Shirley Lee Oder
She loved being a wife and mother and providing a beautiful and loving Christian home for her husband and children.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Shirley Lee Oder
Shirley Lee Oder, age 86, of Joliet, was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Sunny Hill Nursing Home with her loving family by her side.
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Survived by her loving children, Jane (Alan) Costello of Joliet, Emilie (James) McCallister of Frankfort, E. Stephen (Cindy) Oder of Rincon, GA, and Alan Oder of Joliet; four grandchildren, Robert Oder, Michael Oder, Danielle Waters, and Brian (Melissa) Waters; three great-grandchildren, Isayah, Emryk and Clementine Waters; two sisters, Jean Dixon and Sandra Treon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence H. Charles, Jr. and Goldie (nee Morris) O’Connor; beloved husband, Ernst “Ernie”; her sister, Sharie O’Connor; four grandchildren, Alex, Aaron, Taylor, and Kelly Costello; son-in-law, James McCallister; a niece, Debra Treon; and many dear friends.
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Shirley was born September 7, 1938, in Fremont, Michigan. She graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School in 1955, where she was in the band, and attended Illinois State University. She married the love of her life, Ernst F. Oder, Jr., on August 30, 1958, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Joliet. They were happily married for 55 years. She worked for United Airlines, then as a salesperson for Avon and World Book, and later had a painting and wallpapering business.
Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Family was everything to her. She loved being a wife and mother and providing a beautiful and loving Christian home for her husband and children. She was actively involved in all of her children’s school and extracurricular activities, including serving as a Girl Scout leader and Treasurer of the PTA. She was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church where she taught numerous classes and led Bible studies. She also served as Chairwoman of the Christian Women’s Club in Joliet.
Shirley completed her Bachelor’s degree in Communications in 1993, from Governor’s State University, and applied her skills as a counselor and mentor to many. She enjoyed volunteering at the Rialto Theater and as a literacy tutor. She also loved reading, camping, traveling, and Bible study.
Gracious, loving, kind and generous, Shirley was loved by everyone who ever met her. She loved her Lord Jesus. Through numerous health challenges, her faith grew stronger and sustained her through all she faced in life. Her faith was a witness to God’s love and power and an inspiration to many.
Visitation for Shirley Oder will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Additional visitation will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 10:30 a.m., at Messiah Lutheran Church, 40 Houbolt Road, Joliet. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Messiah Lutheran Church (https://messiahlutheranchurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/memorial-fund) or Lightways Hospice (www.lightways.org) would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
