Ila Sue Henninger, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Clayton, California on December 18, 2021. She was the devoted wife of Charles W. Henninger and they shared 68 years together.
She was born in Boyle, Mississippi, on November 19, 1932, daughter to Samuel and Ila Burt. Sue graduated high school and attended Delta State Teachers College until her marriage to Charles in 1953. Sue and Charles, for their first 21 years of marriage, were an Air Force family and raised three children in eight different homes across the United States, including one tour in the Philippines. Sue’s love and devotion to family was ever-present during these years and, her family members can attest each and every place they lived was truly a home. Sue’s passions outside of family included football, she was an avid Green Bay Packer Fan, music, she loved to play the piano, playing bridge, shopping, gardening, home decorating, and travel. Among the many family trips taken, the best ones were the annual summer pilgrimages back to Boyle to visit family and friends.
Sue opened a new life chapter as a career professional when children entered their teen years. Sue obtained an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, became a nurse at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital in Illinois, and later transitioned to a Systems Analyst Role helping launch one of the nation’s first integrated hospital electronic medical record systems. When Sue and Charles retired, they moved near family to the milder climate of Clayton, California, where they happily lived with their beloved dog, Oski. As always, Sue remained a devoted wife to Charles. When Charles developed dementia, Sue remained a bedrock for Charles and managed to keep him well and at home where he still remains. Charles’ dementia has taken its toll on his memory but one thing is for sure—he misses Sue…and so does the family she leaves behind.
Now it’s time for one last trip back to Mississippi where she will reside in Verona City Cemetery not far from family and of course, Oski.
Sue is survived by her husband Charles; children, Sam, Nancy (Craig), and Tom; grandchildren, Crystal (Joe), Eva (Franco), Tracy (David), Sam, Emily (Julian), Hannah, and Haley; and great-grandchildren, Anthony, Mia, Enzo, Kimiko-Irie, and Quin.
A private graveside service with her children in attendance will be Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Verona City Cemetery. A celebration of her life for family and friends is planned for Spring 2022. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to your favorite charity.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
