Shirley "Boots" Hennis

Shirley “Boots” Darlene Hennis died on March 18,2026 at her home in Fairmont, Minnesota. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Zaharia Family Funeral Home in Truman with Pastor John Bennett officiating. A time for visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Lewisville at a later date.

Shirley was born on December 25, 1938 to Royal and Martha Irene (Skeesick) Rockwood in Cushing, MN. At her early age, the family moved to Janesville, IA where Boots attended school through the 11th grade. In 1956, they moved to Lewisville where she graduated from Truman High School. Boots married and later divorced Thomas Hoppe. She then married the love of her life, Richard Hennis and they shared nearly 58 years together, until Richard’s passing in 2020.

Boots loved playing cards and visiting with her friends. She was most known for her generous heart and her unwavering care for others, often putting the needs of those she loved before her own. Boots would always be ready to feed anyone who walked through the door. Her love for animals, especially dogs, was a testament to her compassionate spirit, as she approached every living being with an open heart and nurturing presence. Boots was always guided by a strong faith in the Lord.

She is survived by her son, Ben (Karen) Hoppe; daughter, Marnie Ahlbrecht (special friend, Bruce); grandchildren, Tianna (Todd) Rooney, Tabitha (Dave) Pugh, and Abbi (Jesse) Bue; step grandchildren; Dustin (Donella) Olson ,Dallas Olson (special friend Ruby); stepdaughters, Deborah Farmer and Darla Brown, both from Texas; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Boots is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard; sister, Caroline (Tiny) Gardner; brother-in-law, John Gardner, and son-in-law, Todd Ahlbrecht.

Blessed be the memory of Shirley “Boots” Hennis.