Shirley Jean Ellison, 77, of the Villages, Florida, passed away Friday afternoon, May 15, 2009, in Austin, Texas, where her daughter, Kim, resides. Shirley was born on June 13, 1931, in Chicago, IL to the late John and Lois Ford. After graduating from high school she attended nursing school and worked as a nurse in St. Louis. It is here that she met her late husband, Dr. Alfred Ellison. Shirley and Al married in 1952 and they resided most of their marriage in Okemos, Michigan. While in Okemos, Shirley and Al were members of the Unitarian Church. They had many interests including the theater, music, playing games, bowling, and traveling. Shirley enjoyed traveling and she made many trips overseas both with her husband, Al, and later with friends. One of Shirley's favorite destinations was the family cottage in Montague. The WRBA association on Lake Michigan was near and dear to her heart and she spent many summers there. Shirley is survived by her three children and eight grandchildren: Dr. Richard Ellison (Sue) and his children Matthew and Sarah; Terry Butcher (Craig) and her daughters Kelly and Alice; and Kim DeJong (Josh), and her four children Alec, Brendan, Katie, and Ryan. A Memorial Celebration is planned for Noon on June 13, 2009. It will be held at the White River Beach Association, 8145 Eiler's Road, Montague, Michigan. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to WKAR – MSU Public Radio, 283 Communication Arts Bldg., East Lansing, MI 48824 or the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing, 855 Grove St., East Lansing, MI 48823. Designate donation go to Shirley Ellison memorial.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18