Ilion - Mrs. Shirley A. Pickett, age 90, of Ilion, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at the Wynn Hospital in Utica.

She was born on November 27, 1935 in Mohawk, and was the daughter of the late Avery and Ivah (McIntyre) Rasmussen. Shirley was united in marriage to the late William Pickett on June 23, 1956, in Ilion, where they made their home and raised their family. She was at one time employed as a Crossing Guard with the Village of Ilion Police Department.

Shirley was an avid church goer. Attending Mass made her feel happy. It connected her to the church, to God and her friends. Shirley enjoyed the simple life of the valley. You could often find her at local yard or church rummage sale. She would always come home with some bargain or treasure. She was the Queen of the household, and it was organized beyond words. Shirley will be best remembered for her strong character, being a loving wife and mom, and for her strong love for God.

For as long as her children can remember, she was always encouraging them to be the best they could be at whatever they did. She taught them to always believe in themselves. As parents, Shirley and Bill inspired their children to have a great work ethic, which shaped them into who they are today.

She is survived by her beloved children, William Pickett of Farmington, NY, Jeffery Pickett of Hackensack, NJ, Andrew Pickett of Ilion, and Lisa and Leigh Sweet of Canandaigua, NY. Shirley was a loving grandmother to Michael Sweet, MacKenzie Sweet, Karen Pritchard, and Kathryn Pickett, and she was also blessed with many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Andrew Rasmussen and his wife, Sandra, of Ilion.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents; her husband, William; her son-in-law, Thomas Beatini; and her sister, Beverly Rapenske. Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 30th, from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, NY 13357. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the Church of the Annunciation, 50 West Street, Ilion, NY, with Father Paul Catena, officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Armory Hill Cemetery, later in the Spring.

To leave condolences for Shirley's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com.