Shirley Jean Ringness

SHIRLEY JEAN RINGNESS Shirley Jean Ringness, 77, of Pennock died Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Glen Oaks Senior Living in New London. Her memorial service was 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 20 at First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake. Interment was in the church cemetery. Visitation was 4 - 7 p.m. Monday, February 19 at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continued one hour prior to the service at the church. www.hafh.org. Shirley was born October 6, 1946, at the Redwood Falls Hospital, the daughter of Howard and Donna (Warren) Berg. She grew up in Redwood Falls and graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1964. She then obtained her nursing degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings and began her nursing career at Methodist Hospital in Rochester. She married James Pettis at First English Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls and they moved to Willmar. Shirley worked as a registered nurse caring for patients at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar for over 44 years. Shirley and Jim later divorced. On October 9, 2009, Shirley married Marshall Ringness and later moved to Marshall's home north of Pennock. Shirley was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church when living in Willmar and was involved in prison ministry, Stephen's Ministry, youth groups, Advent festival, and altar guild. She later became a member of First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake. She was also active in the community; reading to elementary students, volunteering with the Humane Society, and supporting the Box Project. She was a charter member and strong supporter of the Holocaust Memorial and was the first recipient of the Heart and Soul Award in Minnesota for her work with foster families. Shirley enjoyed traveling extensively, often using her amazing vocal talents and humor in programs for churches and senior citizens groups. She is survived by her husband, Marshall Ringness; stepson, Darren (Hannah) Ringness of St. Augusta; and grandchildren, Mary, Danielle, Eliza, and Claire. Also surviving are her siblings, Gary (Ann) Berg of St. Paul, Peggy Sampson of Willmar, Stan Berg of Zimmerman, Trudy (Rod) Schlieman of Holloway, and Corey (Pam) Berg of Savage; her nieces and nephews, Kim, Jamie, Melissa, Steve, Mark, Ben, Lauren, Kara, Emily, and Matthew; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister-in-law: Donna Mae Berg; and several aunts and uncles.