Shirley D. Cowling, nee Ervin, 74, of New Baden, and formerly of Mt. Carmel, IL, died Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at Clinton Manor Living Center in New Baden, IL. 

Mrs. Cowling was born January 12, 1934 in Sand Spring, OK, to the late Ray and Ruby (Lee) Ervin. 

She married Donald Cowling on June 21, 1953; he preceded her in death on June 18, 2003. 

Also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amy Kramer; a brother, Bill Ervin; sisters-in-law, Beverly Reynolds, Shirley Weir, Pat Cowling, and Margaret Kesson; a brother-in-law, Bob Weir. 

Surviving are her children, Carolyn Snidle of Festus, Mo, Vicki (Richard) Jessup of Springfield, IL, Donald (Kathy) Cowling of Princeton, IN, Sandra (Ed) Kramer of Damiansville, IL and Brad Cowling of Mt. Carmel, IL. 

13 Grandchildren and 14 Great-Grandchildren. 

Brothers, Ted (Ann) Ervin, Terry (Susie) Ervin) and Sisters, Jeanie (Troy) Kyle and Brenda (Tommy) Ashton all of Texas. 

Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Robert (Lola) Cowling of Texas, Jack (Nancy) Cowling of West Salem, IL and Rye Reynolds of New Albany, IL 

Numerous nieces and nephews. 

Shirley retired as a Registered Nurse from Wabash General Hospital in Mt. Carmel, IL 

She was the Past Senior Regent of the Women’s Moose Lodge, Mt. Carmel, IL. 

Cremation was held, and a private graveside memorial service will be held at a later date in Brown Cemetery. 

Moss Funeral Home in Breese is in charge of the arrangements.