Freeman, Shirley J. (Corlett) 1926-2006

CORLETT, ENTWISLE-HAYWOOD, FREEMAN, MCOLGAN-STERBENZ, HEATON

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/28/2006 at 13:35:10

Shirley J. Corlett

BY LIFE STAFF

ROCKFORD — Shirley J. Corlett, 79, passed away at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, surrounded by her children. Shirley left her earthly home to be with her heavenly father on Sunday, June 4, 2006.

Shirley was the daughter of Ralph (Pete) Corlett and Ruby (Entwisle-Haywood), born on Dec. 26, 1926 in McGregor, Iowa. She married Merle (Brownie) Freeman on June 28, 1946 and had three children, Clifford (Joan) Freeman, Byron, Michael (Sharon) Freeman, Sevierville, Tenn., and Sharon (Barney) McOlgan-Sterbenz, Bettendorf, Iowa.

Taking care of people is what Shirley loved most. At the age of 40 she enrolled in the Galesburg LPN nursing program and worked at hospitals in Monmouth, Moline,and Vinita, Okla., and finally at the Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa where she worked for 15 years before retiring at the age of 72.

Shirley spent her retirement years in Byron, and continued to spread her healing ways to all who came in contact with her. Shirley was a very caring woman with an amazing sense of humor. Her loving good nature blessed her with many friends throughout her life. She loved to laugh and make others smile and most of all she loved her family.

Besides her children, Shirley is survived by her sister, Lillian Heaton, Bucoda,Wash., and brothers, Ralph (Olga) Corlett, McGregor, Iowa and Chuck (Charlotte) Corlett, Vinita, Okla.; five grandchildren, Connie (Don) Hoff, Byron, Paul (Lisa) Freeman, Boynton Beach, Fla., Denise (Brian) Holtz, Eldridge, Iowa, Kimberly (Derrick)Fish, Land O’ Lakes, Fla. and Lance (Stephanie) McOlgan, Edwardsville; 11 great-grandchildren, Kiersten and Olivia Hoff, Cole and Clay Freeman, Zachary and Anna Holtz, Makenzie, Carter and Madilyn Fish, and Taylor and Alissa McOlgan; four step grandchildren, Tonia Bogener, Jeff (Melissa) Sterbenz, Tim (Jessica) Sterbenz, and James Sterbenz; one step great-grandaughter, Stephanie Sterbenz; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law.

As she wished, cremation rights have been accorded. A memorial service was held on Friday, June 9, 2006 at 3 p.m., at the Thornburg-Hanson Funeral Home in McGregor, Iowa. There was a visitation beginning at noon prior to the service on Friday. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, McGregor, Iowa. In her memory, please flower the lonely, love the unable, and hug the children and elderly.

The Ogle County Life newspaer, 311 W. Washington St., Oregon, IL 61061

June 25, 2006