Shirley Mae Rote, 86, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Generations at Rock Island.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Shirley was born on January 11, 1939, on a farm in Carroll, Iowa, the daughter of Victor and Gladys (Joy) Sapp. She worked many years as a waitress. Her favorite memories were of being a server at the Plantation in Moline. Years later she worked at Marando's Supper Club in Milan then finished her waitressing days at Omelia's in Rock Island.

She later was a courier for Purolator then Emery and in retirement worked for the QC Auto Auction, shuttling cars to and from different locations.

Shirley loved driving and being able to see and visit new places. She was a hard worker and always provided for her family.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Shirley found joy in gardening, hiking, ice skating, and skiing. She took great care of her yard and was exceptionally proud to have received the Bob Towler Memorial Residential Beautification award from the City of Rock Island. Shirely was a creative person who enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, and knitting. She made dozens of baby quilts and donated them to the nursery unit at the Moline hospital in order for them to be given to new mothers in need. She was also a great cook and passed her talents for baking, canning, and preparing food on to her daughters.

Shirley will be remembered for her quiet strength and love of nature.

Those left to cherish Shirley's memory include her daughters, Kimberly Sapp and Paula Rote (Jon) Van Camp; granddaughters, Heather (Glidwell) Van Rycke, Stephanie Brown, and Tabetha Rote; several great-grandchildren, and siblings: Velma Lou (Sapp) Cook, Lisa (Sapp) Larson, Roger (Kathi) Sapp, and Victor (Rosemary) Sapp; and numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Linda Volquartsen.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and sisters: Marjorie (Sapp) Reiman and Joyce (Sapp) Sproston, and her favorite brothers-in-law, Orville (Marge) Reiman and Jon (Velma) Cook.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Shirley's family at www.wheelanpressly.com.