Shirley A. Schmitt of Sterling died Sunday January 4, 2015 at her home following an extended illness.  She was born on February 15, 1937 in Omaha, IL, the daughter of William Voyle and Veda (Smith) Major.  She attended Dixon Schools and was a graduate of the former Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospial School of Nursing.  She married James E. Schmitt on November 4, 1967 in Dixon. Shirley had been employed at Katheren Shaw Bethea Hospital in Dixon for many yearss as a LPN. She was a member of Good Shehphard Lutheran Church in Rock Falls.  She was known for her kindness and gentleness. Survivors include her husband, Jim, two sons, Ivan (Darci) Schmitt of Sterling and James Schmitt of Morrison, her sisiter Betty (Gary) Steinert of Morrison, her brother, Jack (Carol) Major of South Pasadena, CA, her grandson, Zach Schmiitt, and several nieces and nephews.  She was prceded in death by her parents, one sisiter Barbara Spyrou, two brothers, William and Donald Major and two sons, Earl and Edwin. (McDonad Funeral Home, Sterling, IL)