Shelby Jean Motycka

Shelby Jean Motycka, 87, of Hillsboro, Illinois, passed away at 4:20 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation in Taylor Springs, Illinois.

She was born May 17, 1938, in Panama, Illinois, the daughter of Burl and Audrey (Keith) Willman. A lifelong resident of Panama, Shelby attended school there as a young girl before attending Hillsboro High School, where she was a cheerleader.

She married Jerry Thomas Motycka, who preceded her in death in 2012. Together they raised their family with love and devotion. In her younger years, Shelby was known throughout Panama as the town babysitter while caring for her own children at home. She later worked at the local grocery store and as a cook at Panama School.

Faith and service were central in Shelby’s life. She was an active member of her church and could often be found volunteering in the church kitchen. She was known as loving and kind-hearted, always putting her family first. She lived for her children and grandchildren, who will always remember her for her warm hugs, stubborn spirit, and her famous chicken and dumplings.

Shelby was strong-willed and resilient, having beaten breast cancer twice. She also enjoyed bowling, reading, listening to polka music, and above all, keeping a spotless home—her passion for cleaning was well-known to everyone who loved her.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Burl and Audrey, her husband Jerry and her brother Roger Willman.

She is survived by her children: Barry (Karen) Motycka of Highland, Illinois, Scott (Julia) Motycka of San Antonio, Texas, and Gina (Kenny) Malloy of Hillsboro, Illinois; grandchildren, Bryan (Lorena Martinez) Motycka of Nashville, Tennessee, Kyle (Sarah) Motycka of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ashley (Andrew) Jones of Clarksville, Tennessee, Lucas (Andrea) Motycka of Houston, Texas, Joshua (Ronelle) Motycka of San Antonio, Texas, Rebeckah (Will Bernhard) Motycka of San Antonio, Texas, Caleb Malloy of San Antonio, Texas, Frankie (Adam) Norman of Hillsboro, Illinois, Madison (Austin) Furness of Hillsboro, Illinois; great grandchildren Maxwell, Miles and Margot Motycka of Cincinnati, Ohio, Fox, Finn and Pheonix Jones of Clarksville, Tennessee, Caroline and Ben Motycka of Houston, Texas, Joselyn and Zachary Hofer of San Antonio, Texas, Wimberly, Brooks and Wyatt Bernhard of San Antonio, Texas, Kenton Norman of Hillsboro, Illinois and Matilda Jean of Hillsboro, Illinois; siblings, Bill Willman of Pawnee, Illinois, Ken “Dutch” (Julie) Willman of Panama, Illinois, Carole (Paul “Bear”) Barricklow of Hillsboro, Illinois; and extended family who will forever cherish her memory.

Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and Hough-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Montgomery County Cancer Association,106 Pinnacle Point Drive, Hillsboro, Illinois, 62049.

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