Shirley VanEtten

Shirley J. (Rogers) VanEtten, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2018 with her loving husband by her side.  She gently passed to Christ’s open arms to take her Home.

Shirley Jean Rogers was born March 20, 1935, in Clay County Arkansas.  She was the daughter of Mary Jane (White) and Isom Thomas Rogers.  She grew up on the family farm outside of Nimmons, Arkansas with her brothers and sisters.  Her time there included working the farm caring for the farm animals and picking cotton.She attended Piggott High School.  There she was a cheerleader and a member of the various organizations.  She graduated in 1954.  Shortly after graduating at age 16, she moved to the Alton-Wood River area to live with her sister Maxine and started her work that led to many successful careers.Shirley was well known in the Finance business.  She was the first woman manager for Associates Finance in Wood River, a subsidiary of Gulf & Industries.  She was Manager of the Month within her Region for many years.  She enjoyed meeting and helping the people that came through her office.  Many friendships were made with the wonderful people she worked with through the years.  She then retired from the finance business and started a new career in Real Estate (1976) and became a real estate broker.  She was a life member of the Million Dollar Club and received the Metorois Award for her years and service in real estate.  In 2014 she retired from Landmark Realty in Godfrey, IL.  Once again, her goal was to help others to find more than a house, it was important that they found their home.Shirley married the love of her life, James P. (Jim) VanEtten, Sr. on September 8, 1956 in Godfrey, IL.  She often said she knew Jim was the “one” the first time she met him!  From this union they had two children, a daughter Robin and a son James Phillip, Jr (Phil).  Her life was her children whom she taught the love of God and led them by example on how to treat others.  She was there at every turn of their life being their best supporter!Shirley enjoyed life!  She loved and served Christ, loved her many friends and especially loved her family.  Time spent with her grandchildren were among her joyful memories.  She had the patience of a Saint doing many activities with them.  Dying Easter eggs was a favorite for all!  She started this as early as the age of sitting in a high chair.  Family vacations to the Lake of the Ozarks was a strong family tradition for decades.  Anytime she could get her family together she was the happiest wife, mother and grandmother.  One of her greatest gifts to the family will be the wonderful memories she created for them, to visit in their minds and hearts.She was always looking for opportunities to help others.  She was passionate with Mission work at her church.  Chimala Mission in Africa, was fostered by her hard work along with other members of her church to bring medical supplies, Bible teachings and schools for the people of Tanzania.  She also supported the Ukraine Orphaned Children who needed love, help, guidance and a safe environment to live in.  Her mission work was very dear to her heart!Shirley was a member of the Zonta Club of Alton-Wood River.  She became a member in 1968 and served as club president in 1982-1983.  She often said that she feels her life has been blessed by the wonderful hard working Zontians in this area.Her hobbies included the St. Louis Cardinals and having fun with her friends.  She and Jim were season ticket owners for many years.Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Maxine and Gerline Rogers, and brothers George David and Jimmie F. Rogers.She leaves behind her loving husband Jim of 62 years who lovingly cared for her the last four years of her life.  Children, Robin (Chris) Schroeder of Champaign, IL and Phillip (Yoshino) VanEtten of Okinawa, Japan; four grandchildren, Leigh Ann (David) Riney of Hannibal, MO, Jared (Jessica) Hornsey of Fillmore, UT, Christal VanEtten of Tacoma, WA, and Benjamin Hornsey of Champaign, IL.  Three step-grandchildren, Jayme Hornsey of Wood River, Benjamin Schroeder of Edwardsville, and Phillip Schroeder of Worcester, MA.  One great-grandson, Colt Hornsey as well as one step-granddaughter, Vivian Schroeder.  Also, a beautiful sister, N. Karlida (James) Esdale of Sterling Heights, MI; a nephew, Claython (Wanda) Diggs of Wynn, AR; along with a cousin, JD Tuggle of Sun City West, AZ, who were more like brothers to her.  Last but not least, many loving nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.The family wishes to thank BJC Hospice for the special blessing they became to the family.  Loving gratitude goes to Michelle, Brenda and Chaplain Jason.  You are the BEST!Shirley was a member of the Godfrey Church of Christ.Visitation will be Friday, March 30, 2018 from 4 pm until 8 pm at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.  Funeral service will be on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 9:30 am, at Godfrey Church of Christ, with Pastor James Lampley officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.  Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is in charge of arrangements.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to BJC Hospice in Alton, Chimala Mission, and the Ukraine Mission work through the Godfrey Church of Christ..An online condolence and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com .

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home