Shirley Marie Walter

Shirley Marie (Schubel) Walter Mattawan Age 78, died January 14, 2010 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Shirley was born April 6, 1931 in Coldwater, the daughter of Oliver and Dorothy (Wilcox) Schubel. She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother, Jack; a sister, Mary; and 1 grandson, Max Walter. On October 12, 1947 she was united in marriage to Francis Walter, who is her former husband. Surviving are 6 children: Christine (Stan) McGrew of Mattawan, Anne (Kent) Southworth of Midland, Phil (Pattie) Walter of Union City, Ed (Laurie) Walter of Richland, Karen DeLong of Portsmouth, NH, and Marlene (Jim) Kelly of Grand Rapids. Proud grandmother of Phillip Walter of NH; twins: Jenny (Southworth) Pucci of Brighton, Marie Southworth of Berkley, twins: Sean Walter of Ohio, Scott Walter of Kalamazoo, Jessica (Walter) Norman of Chicago, Kayla and Brittany Walter of Richland, Rob and Eddie Kelly of Grand Rapids; her sister, Jean (Alan) Swain of Coldwater; sister-in-law, Barbara (Charles) Walton of Sturgis; and several nieces and nephews. Shirley worked at VanderSalm's Flower Shoppe in Kalamazoo. She enjoyed gardening, reading, NY Times puzzles, political discussions, family gatherings, trips to the East coast and was a staunch Democrat! Special thanks to the staff at Bronson Hospital, Tendercare of Kalamazoo, the West Michigan Cancer Center and to the staff at Rose Arbor Hospice for their tender care. Cremation will take place and a family graveside service will take place later at Riverside Cemetery in Union City. Please visit Shirley's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory and sign her guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to Loaves and Fishes 913 E. Alcott Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler-Kalamazoo (800) 822-7594.