Shirley Neitzel

I met Shirley through SCBWI. At the very first conference I attended, I forgot to pay for a lunch and did not have one from home. Shirley immediately shared hers with me. From there, we grew as friends and peers but Shirley was always my mentor - guiding, inspiring, and offering valuable wisdom. I have all of her books, which I shared with my kids as they grew up. Now, I share them with my granddaughter. Shirley- I will miss you terribly.

I will always remember Shirley's generosity with her time. Shirley was an awesome teacher. She also helped with 4-H projects and many other activities involving children. We have many of her books and each one is personalized with her autograph. She has left a great legacy.

I remember Shirley as a classy woman. Always ready to help her fellow children's author with a kind word and gentle direction. She lead with style and cared about our fragile egos as she guided us with a well placed tip. I will never forget her or the example she lead with.

I had the great pleasure of serving as assistant regional advisor when Shirley was regional advisor for the Michigan chapter of SCBWI. She devoted herself to making sure all ran smoothly. We kept in touch sporadically over the years--the last time I saw Shirley was a year ago. She still had the same drive and enthusiasm for her writing, and pride in her family. Please know I am thinking of all of you.

Big Hugs Chris and family! God Bless!

I think I can speak for those of us who work in school libraries and have read Shirley´s many books she has written and which our students check out. She had a magic touch that reached out with her stories and enthralled many children through the ages. My deepest condolences to the family and may her writings live on forever!

I had the opportunity to be able to work with Shirley at Kettle Lake Elementary School. All three of my kids had her as a teacher also. The love she showed in the classroom brought out the best in students. When I was employed at another school Shirley came and read her book, The Jacket I Wear In The Snow. I couldn´t believe after many years working with her she still had that big cardboard snowman I made her to bring when she shared her book. I told her I would make another one but she...

One of the best elementary teachers I had. She was my teacher at kettle lake and I absolutely loved her. I don´t remember all my teachers in school but she is one of the few who left a happy memory: May she RIP