Shirley June Freeze, 94, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026, at her home.

A private graveside service will be held at Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery. The Knox Chapel of Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island is assisting with arrangements.

Shirley was born on July 23, 1931, to William Paul and Ruth (Moore) Hillyer, on a farm in the township of Guinea, Schuyler County, Illinois. Shirley attended Brooklyn High School and later graduated from Augusta High School. She married Donald C. Freeze on June 7, 1950, and they shared nearly 37 years of marriage before his passing on February 10, 1987.

Shirley retired from Montgomery Elevator in 1996 after many years of dedicated service. In retirement, she devoted herself to her family, especially enjoying time spent caring for and supporting her grandchildren. She remained active with the Montgomery Elevator retirees’ group, participated in Bible study, and enjoyed swimming. Known for her quick wit and warm sense of humor, Shirley brought joy and laughter to those around her up until the end.

Those left to cherish Shirley’s memory include her children, Kathleen (Jim) DeVolder, Donald Freeze, and Kathleen (Rick) White; grandsons, David (Paige) Freeze and Devin (Lisa) Hansen; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Jessica, Hunter, Anija, Chloe, Sasha, Kae, Jett, and Lila; great-great-grandchildren, Payton and Libby; and brother, Larry (Barb) Hillyer.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Karen Ruth Mickelson Freeze; and siblings, Lyle Kent Hillyer, Doris Gillenwaters, Jean Shadwell, and Dixie Rohn.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.wheelanpressly.com.