Shirley Riner Craig

Shirley Riner Craig, 94, of Macomb, IL passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at The Elms, a skilled-care nursing home in Macomb.
She was born August 29, 1927, in Kewanee, IL to Lloyd and Hazle Riner. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bill Riner.
She married and had two sons: Gary W. (Karen Roney) Craig of Longmont, CO and Kevin R. Craig of Kansas City, MO, a sister, Patty Chilberg of Moline, IL, and a brother, Larry (Sharon) Riner of Galesburg, IL and several nieces and nephews.
Raised as a farm girl, Shirley learned to love the outdoors including the work on the farm, fishing, and especially hunting. 
Growing up during the Depression, Shirley found movies to be a great escape from the isolation of living on a farm in those days. Her love of movies became a lifetime passion. She passed this passion along to her son, Gary, and the two of them would talk old movies for years.
She graduated from Galva High School in 1945 between V-E and V-J Day; her high school days covered all of WWII. She began working in factories around Galesburg in her late ‘teens and early 20s until she dated and got married in 1949.  
In addition to her hunting and fishing, Shirley had a love for other sports. She was a pitcher for a fast pitch women’s softball team. She played for the Swedettes around Bishop Hill, IL. Later in life she bowled on a women’s league in Galesburg and then on one in Macomb; she won many trophies and awards. She was an in avid golfer, too.
Shirley was a stay-at-home mom for many years until she took a job working at True Value in Macomb in 1972 and then began working at West Side Lumber Ace Hardware in 1994 after True Value was sold.  She took extreme pride in her work and held several certifications and awards attesting to her hardware retailing professionalism. Many people in Macomb knew her as “The Hardware Lady.” She retired in 2011. 
Her giving spirit was evident throughout her life and particularly in her hardware retail career as she willingly shared her expertise to help customers with home projects or hardware-related challenges of any kind. On the personal side, Shirley got into a couple of unique hobbies over the years including making/painting ceramics and constructing windchimes. She gave away multitudes of both to friends and family. She generously gave of herself to others who may have needed help or her support throughout her life. 
The 1990s provided Shirley some opportunities for international travel that she thoroughly loved. She traveled to England, France, Spain, Gibraltar, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and even Morocco, where she rode a camel. 
Known for her sense of humor, engaging personality and storytelling, she made many friendships throughout her life. She was loved and is now missed by many. 
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no visitation or services.

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