Shirley Ann Hennenfent

Shirley Ann Hennenfent, 87, of Galesburg, died at 10:20 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2014 at home. She was born May 10, 1927 in Galesburg to Frank and Zella Louise Griffith Cunningham. Shirley married Leo A Hennenfent on September 30, 1944 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, in Galesburg, IL. Leo preceded her in death on September 16, 2003. Shirley is survived by six sons, Michael L. and (Judy) Hennenfent, Gilson, Daniel and (Marcy) Hennenfent, Ottawa, IL, 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, IA, Mary Kay and (Mark) Ebert, Kewanee; 26 Grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Jean Main, Altona, IL and Virginia Dennis, Oneida, IL. 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 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 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.