Shirley J (Bolds) McGhee

Shirley J. McGhee, 89, of Clubb, MO, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, in Fredericktown, MO. She was born in St. Louis, MO, September 28, 1936, to parents William John and Nora Ethel (Allen) Bolds.

Shirley was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. A lifelong resident of Clubb, she attended a one-room schoolhouse at White Hollow, where she met the love of her life, Ivan McGhee. The two were inseparable throughout their school years and were united in marriage on October 18, 1952. Together, they built a life filled with love, hard work, and cherished memories, and were blessed with three children. A familiar and friendly face in her community, Shirley was a devoted member of White Hollow Church, where she faithfully served in many roles over the years—including bookkeeper, secretary, treasurer, and Sunday school teacher. She lived her faith through her service to others and the kindness she showed to everyone she met.

Shirley worked for several years at Brown Shoe Company until its closing, after which she attended Three Rivers College, studying small business administration. Throughout her career, she developed a wide variety of skills, working as a machinist, truck driver, forklift operator, and later as a substitute teacher at Greenville Elementary School. She also managed the accounting for her family’s businesses with great care and diligence.

Known for her warm smile and generous spirit, Shirley touched countless lives over the years. She found great joy in tending her garden, often spending long hours nurturing her plants and proudly canning the fruits of her labor. She delighted in sharing her harvest with family, friends, and neighbors—always giving from the heart. In addition to her parents.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-four years; grandchild, Angela Webb; half-brothers, Charley, William “Billy,” and Winford Leach, Ralph, Edmond, Roy, and Earl Diebold; and sisters, Leota Reeves, Dorothy Blatchford, Henretta Montieth, Willemina Kaeppel, Camilla and Dorothy Leach.

Shirley is survived by her children: Harold McGhee of Clubb, Richard McGhee and wife Christina of Fredericktown, and Carolyn Duncan of Clubb; grandchildren: Leslie Long of Clubb and Jessica McGhee of Fredericktown; many nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends. Shirley will be greatly missed by her family, friends, community and all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy of love, faith and hard work will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Visitation was held at 1:00 pm, Sunday, October 19, 2025, at White Hollow General Baptist Church, Clubb, MO. Funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm, also at the church. Pastor Elijah Bennett ministered to the family. David Joy, Matt Joy, Tim Bennett, Mike Diamond, Anthony Bauman, and Jimmy McGhee served as pallbearers. Burial was in White Hollow Cemetery, Clubb. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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