Brittani Nichole Shurtz - Benton, IL Brittani Nichole Shurtz, 21, of Benton, was born on December 31, 1989 in St. Louis, MO and passed away on August 20, 2011. She was a cancer survivor and passed away due to rejection complications from her second double lung transplant. Her courageous battle these past 6 years was an inspiration to all who knew her. Brittanis final days were spent at home with her best friend and pet Cujo, by her side. Also surrounding her were many family and friends who Brittani had touched, in some small way throughout her short, yet much loved and memorable life. Brittani graduated with her class of 2008 from Benton High School. She was a cheerleader and homecoming attendant her freshman and senior years. Brittani attended Rend Lake College and John A. Logan College until her health would not allow her to continue. She was an avid animal lover and was majoring in Veterinary Nursing. Her life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Her outgoing and loving nature brought so much joy to her family and to many of her friends. She taught us courage, strength, and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life. She loved movies, music, concerts or just hanging out with friends and family. Brittani is survived by her loving parents, Steve Shurtz, Benton, IL, Michelle Shurtz and fiance,, Scott Peavler, Marion, IL, her sister, Taylor Koch, Mt. Vernon, IL, paternal grandparents, Rodney and Marjorie Shurtz, Waltonville, IL, maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Roberta Barnfield, Benton, IL, maternal great-grandparents, Margaret Piercy, Benton, IL, several aunts and uncles, Rod and Tonya Shurtz, Benton, IL, Carl Shurtz, Benton, IL, Kathy Shurtz, West Frankfort, IL, Jeff and Natalie Shurtz, Benton, IL, Dan and Cindy Schmechel, Mt. Vernon, IL, Kenneth and Brandice Barnfield of Dahlgren, cousins Natasha Shurtz of Dunham, NC, Seiger, Sayler, Macy, and Nathan Shurtz, all of Benton, IL, and Chelsea Barnfield, Benton, IL. Also surviving are special friends Don and Harriett Koch, Mt. Vernon, IL and high school sweetheart and former husband Gavin Nolen, Benton, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, IL. A private funeral service will be held for the family. Brittani' wishes were to be cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois at www.hospice.org or Humane Society of Southern Illinois at www.humanesocietysil.org. Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook.