Shirley Jean Bay nee Sohn

OBITUARY Shirley Jean Bay of St. Clair, MO departed this life in St. Clair on Thursday, September 25, 2025, having reached the age of ninety years, one month and one day. Shirley was born in Sullivan, MO on August 24, 1935, daughter of Vester Emil Sohn and Alverda Louise Sohn nee Bailey. As a young woman she was united in marriage and blessed to have one son. Shirley is survived by her son, Johnnie Bay and wife, Cindy, of St. Clair, MO; by two brothers, Charles Sohn and wife, Geraldine of Sullivan, MO and Randy Sohn of St. Louis, MO; by five sisters, Faye Chitty and husband, Dave, of Wright City, MO, Mildred Burns and husband, John, of Schoolcraft, MI, Ginny Rosch of St. Clair, MO, Vicki McDermott and husband, Paul, of St. Clair, MO and Anna Rice, who was raised by Shirley, and husband, Jay, of St. Clair, MO; by one aunt, Eileen Struck of Pensacola, FL; by her special cousin, Brenda Gargus; by her grandchildren, Shelby Marler and husband, Sean, of Lonedell, MO, Jake Bay and fiancé, Michaela Redeker, of St. Clair, MO, Jamie Keen of St. Clair, MO and Adam Rice of St. Clair, MO; by her great-grandchildren, Emma Marler, Macie Marler, Clara Keen Memphis Keen, Lucy Rice and Daphne Rice; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Vester and Alverda Sohn; by one sister, Estelle Crews; and by five brothers, Sonny Sohn, Mack Sohn, Jim Sohn, Leroy Sohn and Mike Sohn. Shirley was a Christian and member of First Baptist Church in St. Clair, MO. During her working career she was employed by Deb Shoe Factory in St. Clair, MO, Von Weise Gear Company in St. Clair, MO and Hardees in Union, MO making biscuits, retiring at the age of eighty-four. She enjoyed going to the casino, doing word find puzzles and shopping with her granddaughters. Shirley also loved to cook and bake. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and they cherished the time spent with each other. The love they shared and many precious memories they created together will live on in their hearts forever. A kind and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, niece, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 30, 20258 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Raymond Laramore officiating. Interment will be in New Chapel Hill Cemetery in Sullivan, MO. Memorials may be made to the cemetery.

Shirley Jean Bay nee Sohn

August 24, 1935 - September 25, 2025