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BORN
1927
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Shirley Hennenfent Obituary
She was born May 10, 1927, in Galesburg to Frank and Zella Louise Griffith Cunningham. Shirley married Leo A Hennenfent on Sept. 30, 1944, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, in Galesburg. Leo preceded her in death on Sept. 16, 2003.
Shirley is survived by six sons, Michael L. and (Judy) Hennenfent, Gilson, Daniel and (Marcy) Hennenfent, Ottawa, Patrick and (Kimberly) Hennenfent, Wataga
John and (Holly) Hennenfent, Galesburg, Robert and (Christine) Hennenfent, Wataga, Jeffrey and (Merris) Hennenfent, Wataga; four daughters, Margaret "Peg" Hannam, Galesburg, Constance and (James W.) Smith, Gilson, Rebecca and (Larry) Conley, Clinton, Iowa, Mary Kay and (Mark) Ebert, Kewanee; 26 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Jean Main, Altona, and Virginia Dennis, Oneida. She was preceded in death by one sister, Fay Higgins of North Henderson; two brothers; two granddaughters; and one great-granddaughter.
She devoted her life to being a loving farm wife, mother, grandmother, community member and friend to all.
Shirley was a charter member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, member of Ladies of Mary, member of Knox County HEA and served as chairman in 1986-87. She was also a member of St. Mary's Auxiliary and volunteered at St. Mary's Hospital, surgery waiting room, member of Knox County Farm Bureau, and served on Women's Committee of Knox Co. Farm Bureau. Shirley also was a member of Prime Timers of Knox Co. Farm Bureau, 4-H member in youth, Knox County rural youth member, Knox County Country Couples, friends of the Knox County Nursing Home Board, Red Cross Disaster Services, Galesburg Woman's Club, and Prairie Drifters Snowmobile Club. She was awarded 4-H Family of The Year, 2009. Shirley graduated from Galesburg High School in 1944.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Galesburg. The rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2014, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. A visitation will follow from 4:30-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Knox Co. 4-H foundation, OSF Hospice, or Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Hennenfent
Sponsored by Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg.
June 24, 2014
I am so deeply sorry for your loss! One of my favorite families and the sweetest lady! She will be missed by many!
Susan Peters(McLaughlin)
June 20, 2014
Connie and family ,
I was sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. I have great memories of her from my 4H days. She was always very welcoming to me. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
June 17, 2014
Our sincere sympathy to your family.
J.D. & Sally Putnam
Rosie Allen
June 17, 2014
We are so sorry about Shirley death. Are thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. Will miss her at the 4-H events.
Karen Turney
June 16, 2014
I will miss Shirley's smile and chats as we shop at Hyvee or where ever we run into each other. I have been fortunate to be introduced to Shirley and Leo and some of the family via my neighbors Harley & Marian Griffith who were my adopted parents after I lost my own. My heart hurts for all of the family and friends who will also miss Shirley. My thoughts & love to you all.
Rev. & Mrs Steven and Penny Miller
June 16, 2014
We are so very sorry to hear about Mrs. Hennenfent's passing, and we join in sending our sincerest condolences to the family. God bless all of you. Our prayers are with you.
Karl & Kasi Terpening
June 16, 2014
So sorry to hear of Shirleys passing. She was such a sweet lady that raised a great family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Carol Tjaden
June 15, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your mother's death. It is never easy to lose those we love. May God grant you peace and comfort. Sincerely, Carol Tjaden
Kent Nelson
June 15, 2014
So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. Please accept our sympathies to the entire family. Sincerely, Kent and Tracy Nelson
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
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Memorial Events
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Jun
16
Rosary
4:00 p.m.
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
Jun
16
Visitation
4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
Funeral services provided by:
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
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