Shirley Mae Willits

Shirley Mae Willits (nee Hertler) died peacefully at Hillside Terrace on May 7, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Mi. at age 88. She is survived by her children: Douglas (Dina) of Denver, Co., Gary (Eileen) of Stevensville, Sheryl Danci of Ann Arbor and DeLynn Carter (Chris Nelson) of Ann Arbor. She also has seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband William J. Willits, her brother Eugene Hertler of Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca. and her great grandchild, Jonah Calvin Danci.

Shirley was born on April 9, 1930 to August and Olive Hertler in Ann Arbor. She graduated from Ann Arbor High in 1948. She met her sweetheart, Bill on Peach Mountain at a corn roast, and they married in 1949. Bill and Shirley lived on Packard St. for over 20 years, raising their family and pets Cookie, Spunky and Butchie. Shirley’s attention to her children, family and friends were constant sources of energy and happiness for her. Bill and Shirley enjoyed many gatherings around their swimming pool they built in the backyard. Their semi-annual family reunions were attended by scores of relatives from near and far.

Shirley loved her Bridge Club and remained an avid and astute player until the time of her death. She loved her cottage on Base Lake, gardening, tailgating and UofM Football. She loved watching the band walk by playing Hail to the Victors. She loved music of all sorts. She especially enjoyed Christmas time, with Carols, with organ and guitar playing and lots of singing with family and relatives. Her happiest days at Hillside Terrace were listening to musical performers in the Lounge. She also enjoyed hunting for morel mushrooms, antiquing and her dog Lady. She fed her birds daily next to the woods outside her kitchen window.

Shirley and Bill remained happily married for 47 years. They counted their blessings by the large circle of friends they had. They now rest together in eternity and those of us remaining will continue to treasure the joyful memories they created with us.

Her funeral is scheduled for 12 noon Monday, May 14, 2018 at Muehlig Funeral Chapel officiated by Rev. H Kevin Jacobi. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service. Shirley will be laid to rest at Bethlehem Cemetery. A reception will follow from 2-4 at Classic Cup Café, 4389 Jackson Road. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Shirley’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Humane Society of Huron Valley at 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor Mich. Or to Great Lakes Caring Hospice at GreatLakesCaring.com.