Date of Death: April 2, 2019
Service Details
In accordance with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and private services will be held at a later date.
Obituary Notice
Shirley Babcock Willis, age 83, of Three Rivers, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. She was born on March 4, 1936 in Cass County, Michigan the daughter of Weston and Iva (Wise) Persing.
Shirley is preceded in her passing by her parents, husbands: Douglas Babcock in 1989 and Willard Willis in 2002.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Corwin (Brenda) Babcock, Steven (Tamara) Babcock, and Eugene (Brent) Babcock; grandchildren: Clayton Babcock, Lucy (Dennis) Bell, Nicki (John) Graham, Tara Babcock, Kody (Josie) Babcock, and Brittny Babcock; two great grandchildren; siblings: Wayne (Carol) Persing and Jacklyn (Richard) Wilkes.
Additional Information
Memorials made in Shirley’s memory may be directed to The St. Joseph County Animal Rescue Fund. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home.
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Our prayers are with the entire family and friends during this most difficult time. Judy Gilchrist Mohney from Stayton, Oregon.
My deepest sympathy to your family at this time.
Aunt Shirley was someone I always looked forward to seeing. She had a great laugh and it was contagious! I miss those spaghetti dinner nights! My love to the family and I hope the memories bring you a smile and peace in your hearts.
Sending my deepest condolences. May you now feel relieved that she is in God’s hands, pain free and no worries.
Shirley!
Shirley was the Lake Section School (now Norton) secretary when I began teaching in 1972. My friend Karen, who had been teaching there for a couple years, told me the two most important people to get to know were Shirley and our custodian, Howard. Shirley was in charge if school supplies and Howard cleaned everything. Karen, of course, was right.
Shirley was a happy smile in our office and on the telephone. She was every hurt child’s first contact when an accident on the playground needed a band-aid…or a sling…or a special hug. Parents appreciated her no-nonsense approach to problem solving with school records, social questions, discipline referrals, all with absolute confidentiality.
And Shirley, like Jim, knew every child’s name. Remarkable.
Shirley took very good care of us, her teachers. We spanned a range of ages and experience; she supported us all. Her wonderful deep, hearty laugh, (especially when she was telling stories—lots of stories—about her boys, Gene and Corky) and her unfailing good cheer…How lucky I was to begin my career under the guidance of such a fine woman. Thank you, my friend.
Condolences to the family, sorry for the pain and emptiness of heart you must feel at this time. Soon there will be no more pain,suffering or death. (Revelation 21:4)
My heart broke hearing the news. Shirley will be dearly missed. I am thankful I was able have her as a friend, and enjoyed our time when I was at work. My love and thoughts for the boys and family.