Shirley Wilma Backer, 89, of Leadwood, formerly of Pevely, died Dec. 26, 2020, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Mrs. Backer was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 5741 in Leadington. She was born April 29, 1931, in Pevely, the daughter of the late Grace (Johnston) Miller and George Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband: Richard Backer.
She is survived by two sons: Richard Backer of Leadwood and Larry (Bonnie) Backer of California; two daughters: Robin (Jerry) McKee of Park Hills and Sherry (Jesse Smith) Dejong of Arkansas; 10 grandchildren: Nicole Anderson, Kelly (John) Childress, Crystal (Andy) Hutson, Kerry Backer, Chris (Sarah) Backer, Dean Backer, Jeff Backer, Joey Page, Trevor Dejong and Skyra Dejong; seven great-grandchildren: Karissa Hunter, Curtis Anderson, Skyler Briggs, Ashton Stockwell, Halie Teasley, Karrine Lilley and Kai Lilley; four great-great-grandchildren: Dawson, Lillian, Brayden and Hunter; a brother: Danny (Jenny) Miller of Desloge; and two great-nieces: Kelby Eaves and Gracie Jones.
She was preceded in death by a daughter: Connie Page.
Visitation is from 11 a.m. until a funeral service at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at Vinyard Hillcrest Funeral Home, 9115 Commercial Blvd., in Pevely. Burial is in the Sandy Cemetery in Hillsboro. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.