Shirley A. Markhardt

Shirley Markhardt was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and was an inspiration to so many. Shirley lost her courageous battle with life on March 20, 2024 . She passed peacefully in her sleep with her family by her side. Shirley was born in Sonoma, California on September 4, 1953. She moved to Rockford with her family when she was young, where she would meet the love of her life, Larry. Larry and Shirley would soon marry and start a family, raising their boys, Jeremy and Kyle, in Loves Park. Shirley loved getting together with her friends and family as often as she could and lived for Sunday night dinners with her boys Jay and Kyle, her daughters-in-law Vicki and Heather, and her grandchildren Matison, Jack, and Grace. Even though she was hampered with health issues her entire adult life, Shirley never let that dampen her zest for life. Where most people would be defeated by such physical difficulties, Shirley recently told Jeremy “I had a great life!” Her attitude and positivity radiated to the people around her. She would insist that instead of being sad, everybody remember all the great times you had with her and celebrate the lives you shared.

Shirley had two important goals these last couple of years. First, to make it to her 70th birthday, and second, to celebrate 50 years of marriage. She was so happy to make both.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Larry; her sons, Jeremy and Kyle; her daughters-in-law, Vicki and Heather; her grandchildren, Matison, Jack and Grace; her sister, Sharon Ganshert (David), Richard Bainter (Diane); her 10 nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Paul and Ida Bainter; her brother, Russ Bainter (Rhonda); and her sister, Diane Tardio (Frank).

Please join us in celebrating Shirley’s life on Friday, March 29, 2024 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111. Memorial visitation will be at 3:00 PM, and celebration of life at 4:00 PM. Reception immediately to follow at Sam’s Ristorante & Pizzaria, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park.

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