Dec. 29, 1948-Nov. 7, 2026
Barbara “Jane” Shaw Cutright, 77, of Petersburg passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at Villas East in Sherman.
Jane was born Dec. 29, 1948, in Springfield, the daughter of Harriett C. and William F. Shaw.
Jane graduated from Petersburg Harris High School in 1966. She married Terry L. Cutright on June 29, 1969, at First Christian Church in Petersburg.
After high school, Jane started working part-time for her father and grandfather at the family business, The Petersburg Observer. In 1976, she began working full-time at the newspaper. Following the passing of her father in 1981, Jane became the editor and publisher of The Petersburg Observer and Menard County Review, a position she proudly held until her passing. Jane took considerable pride in continuing her family’s legacy of more than 100 years in the newspaper business.
Jane was deeply committed to her community and was involved in numerous organizations throughout her life. She served on the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Board for many years, was a member of Town & Country Women’s Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and several other community organizations. In recognition of her dedication and contributions to her hometown, Jane was named Petersburg First Citizen in 2006. Outside of her work and community involvement, Jane enjoyed sitting in her kitchen with her cats close by reading, doing a crossword puzzle, or just simply watching the birds and wildlife in her backyard.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents; her parents; a sister, Sally Shaw (Jose Luis) Moreno; and her aunt and uncle, Helen and Fred “Ak” Selcke.
She is survived by her husband Terry; her daughter, Melanie (Scott) Durham; son Jason Cutright; granddaughters Teagan (Garrett) Robinson, Cassidy Cutright, Lillie Durham and Dakota Durham; and great-granddaughters Natalie, Hazel and Mallory.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family funeral will be held at a later date.
The family will host a celebration of life for Jane on Sunday, Nov. 29, from 1-4 p.m. at Wankel’s in Petersburg.
Memorials contributions may be made to the Menard County Food Pantry or Menard County Animal Protection (MAP).
Hurley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
