MCLEANSBORO – Edith Margaret Shay, 101, of McLeansboro, Ill., passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Silver Fox Senior Living Nursing Home in McLeansboro.

She was born Aug. 11, 1924, in McLeansboro, to Benjamin Cottingham and Eliza (Trout) Cottingham. She married Ralph Shay on April 20, 1947. He preceded her in death on July 10, 1990.

Mrs. Shay was a homemaker and a longtime member of Mount Olivet General Baptist Church, where she held membership for 88 years. She loved her church and enjoyed baking, candy making, gardening and needlework, including crocheting, knitting and quilting.

Survivors include two sons, Gerald Shay of McLeansboro and Jerry Shay and wife Sharon of McLeansboro; a daughter-in-law, Wanda Shay of McLeansboro; grandchildren: Annie Shay Murdach and husband David of Du Quoin, Hanna Pueblo and husband Chris of Denver, Daniel Shay and wife Amy of Denver, Betsy Holder and husband Mark of McLeansboro, and Brenda Shay of Terre Haute, Ind.; great-grandchildren: Ben Murdach, Eli Murdach, Stephanie Holder, and Dustin Holder and wife Sydney; and one great-great-grandchild, Ember Holder.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Edward Shay; a brother, Auther Cottingham; a sister, Helen Moss; and a grandchild, Carolyn Slay.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Funeral services will follow at noon, with the Rev. Carl Cottingham officiating. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in McLeansboro.

The Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.