Shirley Jean Stock

On March 11, 2026, Shirley Jean (Hengesbach) Stock died peacefully, surrounded by her family. The youngest of four daughters, she was born on July 8, 1938, to Harold and Irma Hengesbach, in Lansing, Michigan. She met her future husband, Elwood (Al) Stock, while they were students at Michigan State University. He was affiliated with Delta Upsilon Fraternity. She was affiliated with Pi Beta Sorority. On May 7, 1960, they married in the Church of Resurrection in Lansing. They were married for fifty-three years, until his death in 2013.

Surviving are her three children, Michael Stock of East Lansing, Diane (Raymond) Santostefano of Middletown, Connecticut, and Carol (Mark) Drayton of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; five grandchildren, Michaela and McKenzie Stock, Michael, Sofia and Julie Santostefano, as well as many nieces, nephews and their families. She is predeceased by her sisters and their husbands, Anita (Milton) McClure and Elaine (Harry) Bannasch, Sr. Barabara Hengesbach, OP, and her brother-in-law, Wayne (Anita) Stock.

While raising her children, Shirley completed both a Bachelors and Master of Business Education from Michigan State University and graduated with honors. She worked on a part-time basis in the office of Senator Gilbert E. Bursley and then taught business courses at Grand Ledge High School. In addition, she was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Brownie Scout Leader and was actively involved in St. Gerard Parish.

Her most rewarding position was with the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) where she worked for twelve years retiring as the Director of Administrative Services. Upon retirement, she received a special tribute from the State of Michigan and MCCA Recognition Award.

In retirement, Shirley served as a Docent for the Michigan Historical Society and Empire Historical Museum. She was a member of the Michigan State University Association, the St. Gerald Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry, the Glen Lake Women’s Club, and the Glen Lake Association. Shirley had many life-long friends and valued her time with them. Some of her social interests included her Bridge Club of exceptional women, the Oldsmobile group whose friendship began in 1960 and continued through the years, and her longtime Resurrection High School friends.

Faith was central to Shirley’s life, and she was a long-standing member of St. Gerald Church of Lansing and a summer resident member of St. Philip Neri in Empire, Michigan. She also held a high regard for St. James Parish in Mason and the St. Frances Retreat and Conference Center in DeWitt.

After her husband’s death, she said that her children and grandchildren were her most important blessings. And she was a special blessing in their lives as well.

Visitation will be held at Gorsline-Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48917, on March 16, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with a Rosary being said at 3:30 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at St Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W Willow Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917, on March 17, 2026, at 10:30 am, the family will receive friends from 9:30 until the time of Mass. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the amazing caregivers and staff at StoryPoint Abbot Park for their loving care and support.

Donations in Shirley’s name may be made to St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W Willow Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917.