Shirley Ann Sonnenberg, 75 of Silver Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2025, with her husband at her side in Grace Davis Hall House, Ocala, Florida.
Shirley was born on February 9, 1950, in LaSalle, Illinois, to Mildred Eileen Newell and Albert Keith Schniepp, both deceased.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Lane Sonnenberg, Silver Springs, Florida, three brothers: Raymond Schniepp (Irene), Donald Schniepp, Denver, Colorado, and Jimmy Helms, Jacksonville, Florida: four sisters Cheryl Gamble (Henry), Idaho Falls, Idaho, Carol Bradford, La Porte, Indiana, Pam Mikkelsen, Jacksonville, Florida, and Barbara Lusco ( Paul) La Porte Indiana: three sons, Jeffery Allen Rancatore La Porte, Indiana, and Robert Lyn Rancatore (Shelia), Kansas City, Missouri.
Predeceased son, Gregory Allen Rancatore, stepdaughter, April Sonnenberg Salat (Bob), Michigan City, Indiana, stepson, Lane Sonnenberg Jr (Amanda), Mill Creek, Indiana, special family daughter-in-law, Lynn Warry Handley (Eric), La Porte, Indiana.
At last count, Shirley had 26 grandchildren and 30-plus great-grandchildren, and she was always excited to tell people about them, and she loved them all.
Shirley worked for several years as a supervisor at Kingsley Furniture. She was a superb cook and bartender, and cooked at a few La Porte County establishments. And finally, in 1998, she started her own successful business, Union Bar & Grill in Union Mills, made many friends, and cooked great food and soups. One of her favorite days was Superbowl Sunday, when she put out a smorgasbord of free food and fun prizes for her customers.
In 2015, after 16 years, she sold the business and retired, spending winters in Florida with her husband. In 2021, she moved there full-time to their second home to pursue her favorite retirement career, a professional full-time Bingo Queen. To know Shirley was to know a genuinely lovely person.
Cremation has taken place, and as per her request, no services. Memorial contributions may be directed to Ocklawaha Bridge Baptist Church, 14100 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488, in the name of Shirley Ann Sonnenberg
