Shirley Bertha Cameron

Shirley Bertha Cameron, nee Josten,  also known as “Shorty” by close friends, 89, of Hecker, Illinois, died August 9, 2020, in Waterloo, IL., was born September 8, 1930. Shirley’s father was Armin Josten, mother Elsie (Faus) Josten, and sister Helen (Royce) Cheney who all preceded her in death. Her family had a long history in Maeystown before they moved to Waterloo. Once in Waterloo, the family was known for their ownership of Breezy Hill, the Bee Hive Bowling Alley, and that old record store that use to be on Main Street in Waterloo. Shirley was also known to be the star of high school plays at Waterloo High School. Shirley married Charles Cameron November 18, 1950. They had 68 years together before Charlie’s passing in November 2018.
During her life journey Shirley was the very beloved mother to son Dr. Mark Cameron, and daughters, Debbie (Peter) Egan and Gale (Glenn) Wetzler, as well as the beloved grandmother to Drs. Ryan (Elisa) Wetzler, Justin (Sarah) Wetzler, and Sam (Erika) Egan. She is the great grandmother to Mason, Logan, and Ava Wetzler and Cameron and Henry Wetzler. As a mother, she was always there for her children and so very proud of her children and grandchildren as they were of her. Shirley enjoyed many years of watching her grandsons grow. Be it through trips to Oregon or the Caribbean, watching them play baseball, cooking their favorite meals whenever they desired, and supporting them in any endeavors they might pursue. Her life as a professional outside the home was short lived, but very rewarding. Shirley worked in St. Louis, Mo. for National Auto Insurance in 1948. There she met one of her best friends for life, Marianne Mertz and had many great stories about their work together. Shirley traveled with Charlie while he was in the U.S Air Force. They lived in Biloxi, Mississippi where Shirley was reported to have “lived on the beach” sunbathing, and then a move to San Francisco before moving back to live their lives in Hecker with two children at that time. Shirley was known as the Superintendent of Friedens United Church of Christ Sunday School for 15 years as well as school classroom mother extraordinary for the small Hecker Public School. Shirley was also known in the community for someone who was always willing to help her neighbor and share her great food.

Shirley is survived by her loving son, daughters, three grandsons, and five great grandchildren. The grandsons continue on the proud traditions from their grandmother, be it cooking, caring in the community or dedication to their children. They are proud of what they learned from Grandma Shirley, as Charlie stated “she was the chief cook and matron of the Cameron clan for 60 + years.” In continuing her service to others, Shirley has dedicated her body to science through St. Louis University.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: 
St Jude’s Hospital or Children’s Hospital in St Louis (P.O. Box 955423, St. Louis, MO 63195)
 to continue her affection towards children. Friedens United Church of Christ or Donors Choice.

Memorial Service:
1 PM Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Friedens United Church of Christ in Hecker, IL
                   Pastor Ivan Horn officiating