October 7, 1930 - October 27, 2025
Shirley was born in Valley City, South Dakota to Lloyd and Thelma Cruff. She had one younger sibling, Curtis. In 1940 her parents along with her maternal grandparents moved the family to Harbor Springs, Michigan. There her father owned a bakery which many years later was sold and eventually became Kilwins.
Shirley met Gerald Burgess at Spring Arbor College after he returned from his time in the Navy. They were married on August 19, 1949 and celebrated 62 years of marriage before Gerald’s death in 2011. In 1963 they moved their family of six to South Florida where Shirley taught and then, after completing her Master’s Degree at FAU, was a school administrator. She retired in 1978 to manage her thriving Shaklee nutrition business which she continued to run until one year ago! Over the years they loved to travel and visited 31 countries. Along the way Shirley collected over 200 beautiful cups and saucers.
Although Shirley loved her business and the many friends she made along the way, her deepest heart was with serving God and with her children and grandchildren. Over the years Shirley and Gerald served in many capacities in every church they attended, primarily in music ministry as Shirley was an accomplished pianist and organist. Shirley is survived by her 4 children - Cindy (David) Culp, Sherry (Bryan) Jackson, Wendy (James ) Davis, Barry (Barbara) Burgess - 23 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the Living Oaks Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL on Saturday, November 15 at 4PM. Shirley supported many Christian organizations, primarily those involving children. Charitable donations to one of her favorites, Orphans Hands, can be mailed to her home address at 14773 69th Dr N. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418.
