a.. Shirley M. Planutis died Feb. 8, 2013, at Swedish Covenant Hospital, Chicago. She was born Dec. 30, 1932, in Sesser, the daughter of Joe and Mary Grace (Mitchell) Planutis. She completed her schooling in Sesser. Upon graduating from Goode-Barren Township High School in 1950, she moved to Chicago, where she lived the rest of her life. Preceding her in death were her parents; her grandparents, William and Martha Mitchell; an aunt, Elizabeth Baker; cousins, Bill and Howard Baker; and her “second family,” Edward and Ann Paddison. Shirley’s greatest joy in life was her family and friends, traveling, books, and her beloved Chicago Cubs. Although she left Sesser many years ago, a part of her heart remained in Southern Illinois. She loved to get together with Sesser friends and remember stories of her young years there, and she especially looked forward to her trips there to visit her friends and family. Shirley will be remembered by all who knew her for her loyalty to her friends, her happy outlook on life, and her infectious laughter which brightened the day. Her longtime friends have lost a dear and trustworthy companion who was always there for them. She will be missed by those friends, especially her closest friend from childhood on, Marilea (Paddison) Koch. A graveside service for Shirley will be held at 10:30 a.m. on April 8 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, where she will be laid to rest in her family plot. Arrangements are under the care of Rankin Funeral Home in Salem, and Pastor Tracy Thomas will officiate. b.. Benton Evening News –4-3-2013 a.. a..