Shirley J. Skiller, of Valparaiso, died Thursday, September 18, 2003 at Porter Memorial Hospital, Valparaiso. She was 86.

She was born March 8, 1917 in Chicago, the daughter of Arthur G. and Claribel (Tyler) Schroder, who preceded her in death.

On June 26 in Chicago, she married James A. Skiller, who preceded her in death in 1975.

She is survived by two daughters, Susan (Michael) Raffin of Plymouth, Ill. and Nancy (Jerry) Hicks of Lakeland, Fla.; 5 grandchildren, Michael Jr., Gina Marie and Angela Raffin and Jamieson E. and Jessica L. Hicks.

She was also preceded in death by a great-grandchild, Felicity Marie.

She was a life long resident who retired after 25 years as a telephone sales representative with R.H. Donley. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. She was a graduate of Liberty High School, a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, a member of the Chesterton Art Center, Willing Workers at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Banta Senior Center and was a 4-H Leader.

A Mass of Christian Burial, Fr. James Meade officiating, is scheduled at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N. Calumet Ave., Chesterton. Interment will be at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. with a Wake service at 6 p.m., Sunday at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton.

Posted 9/19/2003