Shelby Jean Hitch of St. James, Missouri passed away peacefully at her home on October 24, 2024. She was 84 years of age.

Shelby was born on January 5th, 1940, at home in East Alton, IL to Roscoe Clayton Sitzes and Louisa Ellen Belle {Payne} Sitzes.

Shelby is survived by her five children, David Williams, Donny Williams, Lisa Williams, Gary Hitch, James Allen Hitch; sister Norma Montgomery; twelve grandchildren; twenty-three great- grandchildren; and her beloved dog Annie.

Shelby is preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Chief Petty Officer James Rilley Hitch.

Shelby dedicated her life serving Family, God, and Country. Shelby was a life member of The American Legion Auxiliary, VFW, and was past President of the Ladies Auxiliary for the state of California.

Celebration of life will be 4:00 PM Saturday, November 2, 2024, at First Church of God in St. James, Missouri

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto, IL. Luncheon to follow at Fort Russell Township Hall in Bethalto, IL.