Shirley was born on March 19, 1931 in Grand Rapids, MI to Irving and Grace (Clark) Kryger (Hawkins). Shirley met Raymond Murphy (walking to school) and they married August 7, 1954. They had two children, Sheryl Collins (Jim) and Rick Murphy (Anna).
Shirley began her career as a legal secretary with the law office of Verspoor & Heinz shortly after graduating from Creston High School in 1949. She continued her career in the Trust Department at Old Kent Bank until her retirement in 1995.
Shirley had a deep faith instilled in her from a very young age and was equipped with an incredible work ethic. She was a career women, a home maker, a gardener, counselor, a loving wife and proud mother who loved her family.
In addition to her career, Shirley was the ultimate housekeeper. Gifted with an amazing green thumb, she cultivated and cared for the most beautiful “yard scape”. Shirley loved comedy and the comedians of her day especially The Carol Burnett Show. She had an infectious laugh and a beautiful smile. She was always dressed for the occasion (and NEVER without lipstick). She loved big band music, ice cream, and Detroit Tiger Baseball. And yet, with all of her loves, she was most happy spending time alone in her garden with a radio.
In additional to her daughter Sheryl (Jim) Collins and her son Rick (Anna) Murphy, she is survived by her brother Jack (Marilyn) Kryger. She was preceded in death by her parents Irving & Grace Kryger and her husband Raymond Murphy. A special thank you to her caregivers over the last several years, Chris, Jody, Marilyn, and Seana. Thank you to Ann, Becca and Jann for sharing so many special moments and helping Shirley continue to be the beautiful person we all loved so much.
Arrangements are being handled by Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE., Grand Rapids MI, 49505. Visitation will be Sunday, December 15 from 2-4 pm, and 6-8 pm and 11 am - 1 pm on Monday, December 16. Funeral services will be at Reyers, on Monday, December 16 at noon. A private burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens following the service at 1:30 pm.
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