Rochelle

Shirley Carter Haenitsch Williams, age 84, passed away at her home on Wednesday, June 15, 2016. She was born on June 19, 1931 in Rochelle, IL, the daughter of John Etsel and Sophie (Knicely) Carter. Shirley retired from Eaton Corporation. Preceded in death by her parents, two sons: Russell and Ryan Haenitsch, brother: Laverne "Bud" Carter, and four sisters: Juanita Brimhall, Rose Fisher, Lorraine Sherwood, and Mary Davis.

Shirley had a friend that she grew up with who had Down Syndrome and so developed a special place in her heart for those who were "differently abled". She taught me that we all have a handicap, some are just more visible than others. Inside we are all the same. We just want to love and be loved, to laugh, and to know happiness. She struggled with depression her entire life. I know that now she has shed her disability and is rejoicing in Heaven.

Survived by her daughter, Kayla (Steve) Cotone of Roscoe; two sons: Randy (Linda) Haenitsch of Etters, PA and Robbie (Christy) Haenitsch of Ashton; daughter-in-law, Jeanette Haenitsch of Ashton; two brothers: Bill Carter of Indiana, and Richard Carter of IL; two sisters: Sherry (Robert) Thompson of Rochelle and Arlene (Glenn) Davis of Rochelle; eight grandchildren: Shawn, Zach, Jeremy, Cody, Jesse (Kayla) and Cheyenne Haenitsch and Gabriella and Greyson Cotone and five great-grandchildren: Hazel, Liam, Austin, Kendall and Kyler and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, June 24, 2016 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle with Chaplain Judy Williams officiating. The visitation will be just prior to the service from 10:00 - 10:50 at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the Rochelle Hospital Foundation. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.