Shirley M. Rodgers, 72, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Carlinville, passed away Tuesday evening, November 15, 2022, with her husband Larry at her side. Shirley was born in Carlinville on March 19, 1950, to Edward (“Leo”) and Dorothy (Rosentreter) Kalaher.
She graduated from Carlinville High School in 1968 and completed her studies in cosmetology in Springfield in 1969. On September 6, 1969, she married Larry A. Rodgers at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlinville. After having met on a blind date arranged by close friends, they were devoted to one another in marriage for 53 years.
Shirley and Larry welcomed their daughter, Michelle, in July 1970. Shirley had her own home-based business, Shirl’s Curl Shop, while Michelle was growing up and later worked as a pharmacy technician at Sullivan’s Drugs, Carlinville Area Hospital, and Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. She finished her working years at a medical office in Carlinville where she greatly enjoyed being with patients who often were or became friends.
Most of all, Shirley was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was actively involved in Michelle’s many extracurricular activities helping with her 4-H club, attending events, and regularly welcoming Michelle’s friends into their home. Given their farm roots, Shirley and Larry both enjoyed their home in the country dedicating many hours to caring for their lawn and flowers.
Later, their grandchildren, Alex and Ella, would very much enjoy their visits to Grandma and Grandpa’s house where many good memories were made.
Shirley is survived by the loves of her life, husband, Larry of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Michelle and son-in-law Steve; grandchildren, Alex and Ella of North Liberty, Iowa; sister, Rosemary (Don) Arnett; brother, Ed (Kay) Kalaher; her niece, Julie (Jeff) Behme, and nephew, Pat (Becki) Kalaher, and their families, all of Carlinville, and her nephew-in-law, Tony Burger.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a premature grandson; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dolores (Rodgers) and Jack Winslade; a niece, Cindy Burger; and many aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville where funeral services will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with Decon Dennis Baker officiating. Burial will be in Moore Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to Larry Rodgers at 1224 13th Street NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52405 or online via the Davis Anderson Funeral Home website. Memorials may be made to UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Foundation which supports St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids where Michelle has worked for more than 25 years.
Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.