Heather "Princess" Beth (Litke) Shannon

Heather "Princess" Beth (Litke) Shannon Heather passed away on July 27, 2012 at the age of 34 after a courageous seven-year battle with Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma. She began her new life with Jesus surrounded by family and friends at the University of Michigan Hospital. Heather was born on December 15, 1977 to Lawrence and Joan (Steinke) Litke, of Baroda, MI. She quickly earned her "princess" status, as her grandmother always called her "little princess." This status was confirmed when she received her first tiara as Miss Congeniality of Baroda her senior year at Berrien Springs High School. One of Heather's true passions was coaching the Special Olympic Swim Team which she did for several years until stopping due to her illness. Heather was always concerned with others. With a smile always on her face, she had encouraging words for all, even in the midst of her own personal struggles. She had a passion for God and telling others about His love for them and that He was the source of her strength and courage. In addition to her parents, Heather is survived by her husband Kevin Shannon, children, Jordan Litke, Patrick Shannon, and Braeden Shannon of St. Joseph, MI, Grandmother Katherine Arend, of Stevensville, MI, sister Jenifer (Andrew) Moler of Merriville, IN and brother Jimmy Rogers of Baroda, MI. Heather is also survived by her Grandmother in laws, Frances Therkildsen, and Patricia Shannon of Kalamazoo, MI, father and mother in law, Mike and Gerry Shannon of St. Joseph, MI, sister and brother in laws, Kim (Brad) Smith of Eau Claire, MI, Monica Bush of St. Joseph, MI, Steven (Candi) Shannon of Janesville, WI, Kristi (Jason) Wilkes of St. Joseph MI, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and her fellow "princess" Shannon Runyon of Niles, MI. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday at the Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road; officiated by Rev Walter McCutcheon; with burial to follow at Spring Run Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Shannon Family. A fund has been set up at United Federal Credit Union located at 2807 S. State St., St. Joseph, MI, 49085. Friends wishing to send a condolence may do so at the guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com