Shirley Mae Eickhorst, née Sorrell, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, at her home in St. James, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. Born on March 11, 1936, in Redbird, Missouri, Shirley was a cherished and caring individual whose devotion to her family and faith left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Shirley’s story is deeply rooted in the small communities of Missouri where she was born and raised. It was in these humble beginnings that she met her beloved husband, William Franklin "Willie" Eickhorst, on a serendipitous blind date. Their courtship was marked by simple joys—including rides in Willie’s repaired Model A and frequent trips to movie theaters in Rolla. Their love culminated in marriage on September 2, 1951, at the Assembly of God Church in St. James, Missouri, where they soon established their home and life together.

Throughout her life, Shirley demonstrated immense dedication both at home and in various professional endeavors. She initially chose to devote herself fully to raising their family, a role in which she excelled and through which she expressed her love and care. Known as a wonderful cook, Shirley’s kitchen was a source of comfort and warmth.

Alongside her husband, Shirley co-managed various family businesses, including the Amoco Standard Station where she served as the bookkeeper and pumped gas for customers. Later on Willie and Shirley built what was known as Eickhorst Auto Parts where she took on additional responsibilities as a counter person and payroll clerk. In their retirement, Shirley and Willie enjoyed life on their two farms South of St. James and Redbird, where she had a fondness for the cows that she lovingly named Buttercup, Lulu and Gertrude " Gertie" holding special places in her heart.

Shirley’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted Christian, she was an active participant in her church community—serving as a Sunday school teacher, a prayer warrior, and a member of the prayer chain. Her spiritual commitment was reflected in her gentle nature and the love she showed to others. Shirley was often known for her generous hospitality, frequently enjoying Sunday drives with her family complete with bologna and crackers, embodying the simple, joyful moments of life.

Her vibrant personality and love for life were also seen in her fondness for her striking 1971 red and white El Camino, painted by Willie—a well-known sight in St. James. The couple’s shared passion for travel included memorable trips to Branson to enjoy the shows, creating treasured memories together.

Shirley was deeply respected and loved by everyone who had the privilege to know her. She was known for her caring and loving nature; indeed, no one ever spoke a bad word about Shirley. Her family recalls her as a gentle presence who nurtured without harsh discipline, famously saying that although she never spanked her children, there was always the warning “just wait till your dad gets home.”

Shirley’s legacy is one of unwavering love, faith, and dedication to family and community. Her memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her, and her spirit will forever remain a gentle, guiding light.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband, William Franklin "Willie" Eickhorst of the home in St. James, Missouri; her sons, Gary Eickhorst (Irina Borisova) of Lake Lotawana, Missouri and Jeff Eickhorst of Steelville, Missouri; her two daughter-in-laws, Carolyn Eickhorst of Holts Summit, Missouri and Patricia Eickhorst of Cuba Missouri; five grandchildren: Jonathan (Stacey) Eickhorst of New Bloomfield, Missouri; Stephen Eickhorst of Holt Summit, Missouri; Jessica (Mark) Pinnell of Cuba, Missouri; Abby (Reilly) Pollard of Prairie Village, Kansas; and Ethan (Alisha) Eickhorst Kansas City, Missouri; five great-grandchildren: Christian (Sydni) Eickhorst, Jacob (Rachel) Eickhorst, Chelsea Pinnell, Miranda Pinnell, and Finneas Pollard; four great-great-grandchildren; William, Samson, Oaklyn, and Jensen Eickhorst; her sister, Chalice Pruett of Holt Summit, Missouri; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Charles (Emmadeen) Eickhorst, Floyd (Earlene) Eickhorst, Leoma (Dennis) Smith, Danny (Ruby) Eickhorst, and Joe (Brenda) Eickhorst; her beloved puppy named Sissy; her loving caregivers; Jessica (granddaughter), Brittney, Kasondra, Andrea and Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyndon and Iva Mae Sorrell; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Julius and Zelma Eickhorst; her two sons, Bill Eickhorst and Larry Eickhorst; her granddaughter, Elizabeth Anne Eickhorst; her sister and brother-in-law, Wilda and Bill Spencer; her brother-in-law, George Pruett; and brother-in-law, Jimmy Eickhorst.

Visitation for Shirley Mae Eickhorst will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home of St. James, Missouri.

The funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with Pastor Mick Thrasher officiating. Burial will be at the Oak Forest Cemetery at Redbird Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Eickhorst, Christian Eickhorst, Chris Mueller, Jonathan Eickhorst, Scott Gahr, and Rick Krawiecki. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Pinnell, Steven Eickhorst, Ray Aguilar and Jim Keeney. Memorials are suggested to the First Assembly of God Church in St, James, Missouri.

Shirley’s legacy is one of unwavering love, faith, and dedication to family and community. Her memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her, and her spirit will forever remain a gentle, guiding light.

Online condolences and floral offerings may be entered at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.