Shirley Haas
Belleville | Save
Shirley Jean Haas (nee Goalby), landed softly in the fairway to heaven after more than 99 glorious years on February 7, 2026. Born to George and Helen (Towers) Goalby October 28, 1926, she is pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Harlan, brother Bob, daughter Cindy, son-in-law Pat Reineck, and sister-in-law Arlene Freeark Goalby.
She is survived by her sons Jay (Jan) and Jerry (Elizabeth), son-in-law Joe May, 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, nephews Kye (Paige) Goalby, Kelly (Julia) Goalby and Kevin Goalby and many loving cousins and friends.
The Goalbys began their family in the Hyde Park neighborhood in St. Louis MO. After the great tornado of 1927, they moved the family to Belleville Ill. which they would call home for the rest of their days.
Shirley was educated at Belleville Township High and in St. Louis at Jewish School of Nursing.
One of the best of the Greatest Generation, when good things were ‘swell’ and ‘keen’ – the bee’s knee’s – she was all of that and more. Never condescending, she would rather learn about people different from herself, than put them down. The kind of role model you were proud to follow. She served her country, standing up to tyranny and fascism as a Cadet Nurse during World War II.
After the war she took a position as a company nurse at Swift and Company in East St. Louis where she met the love of her life, Harlan Haas of Mascoutah Ill. Harlan later admitted to feigning illness to get a chance to meet the lovely new nurse and the stunt paid off in spades. Wed in 1948, the happy couple soon became parents to Cindy (1952), Jay (1953), and later Jerry (1963).
The Haas family enjoyed the excitement of post-war prosperity in their rapidly growing town. Sports was the theme of their modest household on Northern Ave as their children grew, all three attending Belleville West High.
Shirley being the sister of 1968 Masters Champion Bob Goalby undoubtedly carried the ‘golf gene’. Husband Harlan, a fine amateur baseball pitcher was also athletically gifted- proficient in all activities from bowling to dancing. Together they unwittingly spawned arguably the greatest family golf dynasty in modern professional golf with 2 PGA pro sons, and 2 PGA pro grandsons. Daughter Cindy was also an excellent player, competing in Saint Louis district tournaments in the late 1960s.
Shirley was intensely proud of her children and wholly dedicated to their development and success, and was especially close to her only sibling Bob.
Shirley and Harlan were ‘road warriors’ in the 1960s travelling to golf tournaments around the country to watch their kids compete.
After a long illness, husband Harlan succumbed to cancer and passed away at the age of 54. Though devastated by her loss, Shirley forged ahead continuing her nursing career at Memorial hospital in Belleville until finally retiring at age 70.
Along the way Shirley found time to travel the world in the 1980s and 90s. Fascinated by the world around her, she loved to learn about other people and their cultures. A true student of life, she read everything she could get her hands on and kept copious notes and articles in many large binders. Her scrap books leave a legacy of profound love and support for generations to come.
Her annual trips to Florida later in life with dear friends Clarisse, Nancy, Lana and daughter Cindy provided lasting memories and the rewards of a life well-lived.
She was an avid golfer, playing weekly at Yorktown Golf Club in Shiloh Ill. Her best friends were her many playing partners and a group of lady card-players known as the Rum-bums.
Moving into the Benedictine at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in 2008 Shirley was reunited with some of her gal pals who continued their card playing and socializing. Special thanks to the staff and caregivers who she truly loved.
Shirley was interested in everything and everybody. Humble, and respectful, she led her family by example and lived her life treating others as family.
She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her- thriving and mentally sharp throughout her 99 years. She never met a stranger. But her greatest gift was the way she made us feel- loved and included, genuinely interested in the lives and feelings of everyone.
Shirley accepted the setbacks in her life the same way she aged – with dignity and grace. While her loss has left an enormous hole in the hearts and lives of those she has left behind, her legacy of love, strength, and kindness will endure forever. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Donations greatly appreciated to:
or
The Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital – Compassion Fund
1001 Highlands Plaza Dr
West, Suite 140
St. Louis, MO 63110-1337
Service: Gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. Private family interment will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Shiloh, IL.
Kurrus Funeral Home
