Edith Margaret Shay 101, of McLeansboro, IL. passed away Monday, December 29, 2025 at Silver Fox Senior Living Nursing Home, McLeansboro, IL. Edith was born August 11, 1924 in McLeansboro, IL. to Benjamin Cottingham and Eliza (Trout) Cottingham. On April 20, 1947 she married Ralph Shay and he passed away July 10, 1990.
Edith was a homemaker and a member of Mt. Olivet General Baptist Church. She loved her church and was a member there for 88 years. She enjoyed baking, candy making, gardening, needlework such as crocheting, knitting, quilting, etc.
Survivors include her son Jerry Shay and wife Sharon, McLeansboro and a daughter-in-law Wanda Shay, McLeansboro, IL. Also surviving are grandchildren Annie Shay Murdach and husband David, Du Quoin, IL, Hanna Pueblo and husband Chris, Denver, Colorado, Daniel Shay and wife Amy, Denver, Colorado, Betsy Holder and husband Mark, McLeansboro and Brenda Shay, Terre Haute, Indiana. Great grandchildren surviving are Ben Murdach, Eli Murdach, Stephanie Holder and Dustin Holder and wife Sydney. Also surviving is a great great grandchild, Ember Holder.
Edith is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Edward, brother Auther Cottingham, sister Helen Moss and a grandchild Carolyn Slay.
Visitation for Edith Shay will be Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 11:00 A.M.-12:00 Noon at Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro with the funeral service following at noon. Burial will follow the service at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, McLeansboro with Reverend Carl Cottingham officiating.
Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
