Shirley Ann Rainwater

Shirley Ann Rainwater went to her Heavenly home on February 7, 2024. She was born on February 13, 1935, in Rochelle, Illinois to Roy and Anna McCaslin. She graduated from Rochelle High School and went on to Nursing school at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Illinois and became a Registered Nurse which became her lifetime career.

She married the love of her life, Merritt R. Rainwater on May 3, 1957, and had three beautiful daughters, Kathy Ponder (Jeff), Cindy Archer (Jay), and Mary Tucker (Bill Surgeoner). Grandchildren include Amy Ponder, Logan Ponder, Emily Ponder Mendez (Jonathan), Tyler Tucker and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister Rosemary VanKirk, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and seven siblings.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the employees and staff at Lake Hamilton Health and Rehab Center for their compassion and care these last few years.

Memorials can be made out to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, February 12, 2024, with a visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM, in the Smith Family Funeral Home chapel, with Pastor Scott Galimore officiating. 

Interment will be held at Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the service.

Guest registry at www.Smithfamilycares.com