Shirley Ann Mergen, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 22, 2025, at Stephenson Nursing Center with her children & family by her side. She was born on September 30, 1938, in Rockford, IL, to Harold Ernest Bonne and Marjorie Lucille (Barnett) Bonne. She married Ronald Mergen.

Survivors include her 2 children: son Richard C. Babcock (Melody Babcock), and daughter Kristy McCartney (Richard Penticoff); grandchildren: Chad, Nick, Thomas, Nicole, Tiffany, and Stephanie; great-grandchildren: Chyanna, Levi, Mason, Nolan, DaNesiyah, and Dreyah; along with cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Mergen, both parents (Harold and Marjorie), sister Sandra Langley of Pecatonica, 2 sons: David Babcock and Mark Babcock, and mother-in-law Phyllis McLain.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday May 28, 2025, from 5PM - 7PM, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport.

Graveside service at 10:30 AM, on Thursday May 29, 2025, at Freeport City Cemetery.