[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 169 (Thursday, October 11, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6811-S6812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING SHIRLEY ANN McCOMBS

 Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life 
of Shirley Ann McCombs who passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at 
the age of 81. Shirley was born June 30, 1937, in Schuyler County, IL, 
to Harry and Stella Derry Hunter. Shirley married Charles H. McCombs on 
May 30, 1956. She was employed by the Illinois State government in 
numerous positions and was ultimately promoted to the speaker's staff 
as a fiscal officer until her retirement. Shirley played on the 
Rushville Rushettes Softball Team and she was a past member of the 
Oakford United Methodist Church, where she served as secretary and on 
many committees. She was also a current member of the West Side 
Christian Church in Springfield.
  Shirley was elected State central committeewoman for the 18th 
Congressional District in 1986 and served in the position until 
present. She served as secretary of the Democratic Party of Illinois, 
second vice president of Illinois Democratic Women, and Annual 
Convention Ad Book chair and editor/graphic artist. Shirley also had 
served as the Menard County chairman, precinct committeewoman, and as 
the first vice president of the Illinois County Chairman's Association.
  Shirley served as an elector on the Illinois Electoral College since 
1992. She served at many of the Democratic National Conventions as a 
delegate and as an assistant whip. Shirley also served for numerous 
State Democratic Conventions, co-chaired IDW Luncheon for Convention 
Delegates and Dignitaries at the Democratic National Convention. She 
was the State fair committee chairman for the IDP. Shirley received the 
Chairman's Award for Commitment and Service to the Democratic Party and 
Certificate of Appreciation Award for Outstanding and Dedicated 
Service.
  In addition to her work in politics, she was also passionate about 
helping her community. She was a founding member of the Menard County 
Tourism Council and former treasurer. Shirley was a founding board 
member of the IWIL and served on the board for the Area Agency on Aging 
and served on the advisory council. She was on the Menard Caring Board 
and a volunteer at the Menard County Food Pantry. She was a lobbyist 
for AARP.
  Shirley attended both of President Clinton's and President Obama's 
inaugurations.
  Shirley is survived by her daughter, Robin and her husband Rick 
Mathieu; grandchildren Vickie Mathieu and Jackie and her husband Gus 
Tserpelis; three great-grandchildren; siblings Nelda, Susan and husband 
Larry, Larry, Lois and her husband Stuart, and Deloris and her husband 
Robert; sisters-in-law Phyllis, Doris, and Betty; and numerous nieces, 
nephews, and cousins.
  Her service to her community is remarkable and her story inspiring. I

[[Page S6812]]

stand here today to applaud my dear friend and to honor her 
legacy.

                          ____________________