Shirley Ann Vail

Shirley was born on March 31, 1939, in Rector, Arkansas to Hazel and Mary Hardin. Born and raised in Arkansas, Shirley moved to Michigan following graduation. Having lived in Michigan for a couple years, Shirley’s friend coordinated a blind date with Claude Vail. Claude and Shirley met at the Holland Tulip Festival in May of 1960 and were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 24 of the same year. Claude and Shirley lived their entire married life (62 years) in Bath, Michigan raising their two children on their farm in Victor Township.

Shirley is survived by her husband Claude A. Vail, daughter Valerie Vail-Shirey (Kevin Shirey) and son Timothy Vail (Kelly). Grandchildren Ashley Shirey (Loren), Tucker Shirey (Savanah), Olivia Bowers (William), Schuyler Shirey (Olivia), Hallie Fiebig and Hannah Vail. Great Grandchildren Abigail, Nora, Gideon, Samantha, and Theodora Shirey; Ella Shirey; Katelyn, Kayla, Jayliah, Blake, Autumn, and Morgan Bowers; Walker Fiebig. Shirley is also survived by four of her siblings: Flois Frazier, Willa Mathis, Erma Sandy, and Bernice Dial, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Hazel and Mary Hardin, Sisters Lucy Romine and Kathryn Weaver, brother Clois Hardin, three nephews and a great niece.

Visitation and Memorial Service will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, Dewitt Chapel on August 21, 2023, from 10am – 12 noon with the service following at 12 noon. Graveside services will follow at Rose Cemetery 14601 Upton Rd., Bath, MI.