Shirley Holsinger Obituary

Shirley Ann (Simmons) Holsinger, 83, of Rockingham, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the Bridgewater Retirement Community, where she had resided for five and a half years. Mrs. Holsinger was born on September 4, 1941, in Harrisonburg, and was the daughter of the late Herman K. and Anna Mary (Lineweaver) Simmons. She was a graduate of Turner Ashby High School class of 1960. Shirley began her career at Shomo and Lineweaver Insurance Agency as a secretary in the summer of 1960. During her years there, Shirley was a property casualty producer and vice president. In October 1995, she was recognized as a nationwide distinguished graduate of the AAI program. She received the highest award in the insurance profession and was recognized as having the highest GPA in the nation of all the people who took the exam that year. Shirley was one of the first insurance women in Virginia and locally to receive a CPCU certification. Shirley retired from Shomo and Lineweaver after 38 years in 1998. She was a member and officer of The Pilot Club of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County, the Working Women's Forum of Harrisonburg, a board member of the Community Services Board, a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County, and the Shenandoah Valley Insurance Women's Association. On December 24, 1961, she married Lanny Walton Holsinger, who survives. They would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year. In addition to her husband, Shirley is survived by her daughter, Christy Holsinger of Bridgewater; siblings, Phyllis Arbogast, Fred Simmons and wife, Phyllis, Melba Cook and husband, Tim; grandchildren, Cody and Desirae Holsinger of Rockingham, Ethan and Alexis Curry of Rockingham, Jackson Curry of the United States Coast Guard Academy; bonus grandson, Colton Moore; sister-in-law, Helen Simmons; and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was also preceded in death by a brother, Harold Simmons; brothers and sisters-in-law, Linden Franklin Holsinger and wife, Reva, Richard Holsinger and wife, Virginia "Ginny", June Raye Williams and husband, Billy, Betty Sue "Perk" Morris and husband, Clifford and Richard Atkinson. Shirley had a deep love for music and dancing, which brought joy and energy to her life. For many years, she and Lanny were active members of a square-dancing group and even embraced the disco era with lessons they took together. Her enthusiasm was infectious-she was always ready to tap her feet to a good tune and bring a smile to those around her. Shirley also enjoyed decorating for every season, which was appreciated by many viewing the Goose that graced her front yard. "Goosey" had an outfit for every occasion and visitors often stopped by to comment on her and leave gifts. Shirley had an enormous amount of love for cats. Lanny and she adopted many throughout the years and her room at BRC featured quite a few stuffed cats and cat décor. Lanny and Shirley played tennis frequently, enjoyed running, and exercising. Shirley cherished her grandsons. When Cody was born, he was the best-dressed toddler thanks to his grandmother's love of fashion and shopping. Shirley delighted in watching her grandsons grow and find their own passions- whether playing Dance, Dance Revolution, hunting for Easter eggs, or simply spending time together. Their presents were always wrapped beautifully, as this was one of Shirley's hobbies. After retirement, Shirley spent lots of time in the flower and vegetable garden. The beautiful flowers in the gardens found their way into lovely bouquets that she arranged and placed throughout her house. In addition, she then had time to read and prepare delicious meals. Shirley and Lanny traveled to many places but her favorite destinations were the Outer Banks, Chincoteague, and Assateague Island. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the staff at BRC, especially those on the Serenity floor. Kayla, Lauren, Jayne, Barb, and Melinda became like a second family. They provided Shirley with compassionate care and treated her with dignity as her memories faded. She will always be remembered there as the "Crazy Cat Lady." They would also like to thank Winnie Williams for being a lifelong friend and dedicated card giver that brought so much joy to Shirley. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 1 to 2 p.m., prior to the service at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. A celebration of life service will follow at 2 p.m., officiated by Pastor Jim Logan. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Shirley and Lanny supported many animal organizations, and the cats who found their way to the Holsinger's house lived in bliss. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to 340 Quick Stop Spay and Neuter Fund, 14014 South Eastside Highway, Port Republic, VA 24471; or to Cat's Cradle, P.O. Box 2128, Harrisonburg, VA 22803