Shirley Mae Rainey

Shirley Mae Rainey, aged 91, of Carlyle, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at Cedarhurst Living Center in Breese, surrounded by her beloved family. Born on August 20, 1934, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, she was the daughter of John and Lucille (Shirley) Keller. On August 14, 1954, Shirley married Robert "Bob" Rainey in Mt. Vernon, beginning a journey of love that lasted for almost 60 years until his passing on May 27, 2014.

Shirley is lovingly remembered by her children: Ed Rainey and his wife, Patty, of Keyesport; Bob Rainey and his wife, Sallie, of Umatilla, Florida; and Francie Voss and her husband, Randy, of Carlyle; her grandchildren: April Rainey, Amanda Rainey and her husband Steve, Angie Grayling, Jonathan Rainey, Jordan Rainey and his significant other Claire, Lindsey Baldridge and her husband Ben, Sarah Rainey and her significant other Tony, Brad Voss, Justin Voss and his wife Chelsie, Kristen Edler and her husband Josh, and Alex Voss and his significant other Ashlyn. Shirley was also blessed with 20 great-grandchildren, as well as 4 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Michael Rainey; two great grandchildren, Anna and Kate Edler; her parents; two sisters; Mary Lou Kirk and her husband, Sam; Johnetta Smart and her husband, Richard; and various in-laws, including her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Homer and Lillian Rainey, along with brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Carlyle since 1963, Shirley contributed to her community as a choir member and organist, and even shared her love of music through teaching piano lessons. She had many passions, including solving puzzles, reading avidly, and sewing in her younger years. She also cherished camping trips with her husband and enjoyed wintering in Florida and Texas during their retirement years.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Carlyle on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Private interment services will be held prior to the memorial service at Carlyle Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Carlyle on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.

Memorials made in memory of Shirley are suggested to the Carlyle First United Methodist Church or the Cedarhurst Activities Department and will be received at the church or at Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231.