Corene Harnish

Corene Masters Harnish, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home on September 20, 2025, surrounded by those she loved.

Born on August 10, 1935, in Sikeston, Missouri, Corene was the daughter of Everett Masters and Cora Harbison Masters. She married Jerry Lee Harnish Sr., on December 21, 1964, in St. Louis, Missouri. They shared nearly five decades together before Jerry’s passing on August 8, 2012.

In the last three years, Corene embraced a quiet country life, finding joy in the changing seasons and the simple beauty of nature. She enjoyed watching the sunsets and the wildlife from her porch swing. The deer, birds and her flowers seem to be her joy. Her faithful Yorkie companions, Eddy and Annie, were constant sources of comfort—Eddy was her protector and offered unwavering support through both good and difficult days.

Corene is survived by her children: Jimmy D. (Jean) Shroeder, Jerry Lee (Kara) Harnish Jr., and Susan (Larry) Whisler; grandchildren: Jimmy D. (Shannon) Shroeder Jr., Jamie (Patrick) Haley, Amber Harnish, Kori (Zach) Jones, Kodi (Brittany) Harnish, Alissa (Brandon) Goldhammer, and Sydney (Jared) Odum; sister: Carol Jean Hunt; sister-in-law: Margaret Masters; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; four brothers: Everett, Babe, Frank, and Lonnie Masters; three sisters: Connie Foster, Virginia Worley Gurnow, and Barbara Legate; and one nephew, Steven Worley.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 N Court St., Marion, Illinois. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Freedom Cemetery, with her nephew, Kenny Worley officiating and her niece, Sandy Cantrell, offering a musical tribute.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.