Lydia Shifflett
Rosewood Heights |
Lydia Johanna (Gallinot) Shifflett, 99, passed away on September 11, 2016 at her home with her family by her side and is now in eternal rest with our Lord and Savior. She was born on July 6, 1917 in Collinsville to Martin Michael Gallinot and Augusta (Kumpus) Gallinot who proceeded her in death.
Lydia was born in Collinsville and grew up in Carlinville and Bethalto with her six siblings. They were raised by wonderful parents, both immigrants of Lithuania who shared their Lutheran faith with their children and came to America in search of a better life and opportunities. Lydia attended Zion Lutheran grade school, Bethalto grade school and graduated Alton High 1935. After graduating high school, Lydia took a job working at Olin during the WW II era. She later moved to Chicago and began attending night classes at Northwestern University. She had several jobs over the years working at the Department of Interior, the Department of Indian Affairs and the Department of Naval Research.
After 8 years Lydia moved back home to get married. Lydia married Howard O. Shifflett on July 17, 1954 and it was one of the hottest days that year. Children came shortly thereafter and life went by fast. Gordon, then twins Carla and Paula and seven years later David arrived. Lydia and Howard were married for 26 years. Howard proceeded her in death on April 30, 1980. Lydia cared for her husband at home for 11 years due to a massive stroke in 1969 and during that time she needed a break, so she decided to go back to college to finish her college degree. In 1982 she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from SIU Edwardsville.
Lydia was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. Lydia enjoyed helping others. She was devoted to helping her mother, sisters Alma, Anna and brother Willam (Bill) who lived in the area. Lydia enjoyed her children and her grandchildren. After her husband passed away she had time to garden and travel. A few of Lydia’s travels were to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, St. Kitts and Neives and then to Europe visiting seven countries.
Lydia is survived by her two sons Gordon (Sheren) Shifflett and David Shifflett and twin daughters Carla Shifflett and Paula (Randy) Martz – and grandsons Nolan (Alyssa), Nathan, Nelson Martz, Michael (Alisha) Ryan, great grandson Dalton Ryan, sister Ruth Gallinot,
several nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition, Lydia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings Gus (Esther), Alma, AnnaLena Gallinot, William Kumpus, and Ella (Alice) Schutter.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday September 14, 2016 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.
Visitation will continue at 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am on Thursday September 15, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Kale Hanson will officiate. Burial will be at Roselawn Memory Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
