Shirley M. Dittbenner, 84, of Rockford, died Sunday, April 20, 2014 in Rosewood Care Center of Rockford following a short illness. Shirley was born on December 10, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois; the daughter of Fred and Ruth Murk. She attended Chicago Schools. Shirley married Charles W. Dittbenner in Chicago on December 10, 1949. She worked as a retail clerk for Shultz Brothers Five & Dime Store and K-Mart. Shirley enjoyed reading, doing crafts and puzzles and gardening with her husband. She is survived by 6 children, Chuck (Priscilla) of Pembine, WI; Roger of Fernandina Beach, FL; Larry (Kim) of Belvidere; Lynn (Terry) Welsh of Rockford; Patsy (Steve) Kennedy, Fernandina Beach, Florida and Robert of Florida; 14 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters Carol and Judie, and a host of other relatives and friends. Shirley is preceded in death by parents, husband and a sister.

Funeral service 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 in First Presbyterian Church 221 N. Main Street with the Rev. Dr. Robert Kopp, Pastor, officiating. Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in the church. Private Burial Friday in Belvidere Cemetery. Memorials to the family for a fund to be established. Arrangements by Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services – Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Chapel, 218 W. Hurlbut Av. Belvidere, IL. To express condolences online, please visit www.andersonfcs.com