Shirley was born in Alliance, Nebraska, on October 2, 1929, to Herman and Viola (Merrill) Bartels. She graduated from Alliance High School and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University for two years. She married David L. Dillon and together they had a daughter and two sons. Shirley taught school for a total of 6 years. She retired from Unity World Headquarters in Unity Village, MO, in 1998 after having been employed in their print shop as a supervisor for over 35 years.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: Harold Bartels, Glen Bartels, Lowell Bartels, and Dwain Bartels. She is survived by her children: Francis Dillon, Jim Dillon, and Kathy Dillon; grandchildren: Kevin (Kim) Dillon, Cheri (Rodney) Johnson, Tyler Dillon; great-grandchildren: Noelle and Parker Johnson, Crosby Dillon, Daniel Fugitt, Brendahl, Gabe and Adalynn Dillon; Richard and Rebecca Madden and their daughter, Rachel Madden, and her son, Owen Williams. She is blessed with many relatives and friends.
