Shirlee Diane Knutilla

Shirlee Diane (Souders) Knutilla of Delta Township formerly of Williamston,
Passed away on June 30, 2022, at the age of 87, daughter of Harry F. and Doris M. (Corsaut) Souders. She was born on February 4, 1935. Shirlee was a graduate of Grayling High School class of 1952; she then graduated in 1955 from the Marcy Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit as a Registered Nurse. She met the love of her life, Robert, when the neighbor needed a 4th player for Pinochle; they were married on March 26, 1955.
Shirlee was a member of The League of Women Voters while living in Escanaba, MI, when she moved to Williamston she spearheaded the creation of the Williamston Chapter of the League of Women Voters. She was an active member of the Williamston United Methodist Church, and was a member of their choir for many years; after moving to Grand Ledge she became a member of the Grand Ledge First United Methodist Church; member of Grayling Order of the Eastern Star #83. Shirlee enjoyed playing the piano or the organ. She loved traveling, especially to the National Parks, and going to the family cottage in Grayling. She also resided in Tampa Bay, Florida and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Shirlee was a Camp Nurse for Scout Camp and volunteered for 25 years at the Kodak Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While in Albuquerque, Shirlee was active with the Newcomer's club, various golf leagues and the Seniors Choir at St Johns United Methodist Church.
Shirlee is survived by her children: Margaret (Dick) Benkert, Thomas (Amy) Knutilla, and Susan (John) Gonsky; grandchildren: Stephanie (Matthew) Ross, Christopher Taylor, Alexandria (Justin) Smits, Lauren (Craig) Gradin, Carolyn (Eric) Smith, Ashley (Robert) Scott, Eden Knutilla, and Robert Knutilla; 9 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joann (Thomas) Badovski, and brother-in-law Marvin Knutilla. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Knutilla, son David Knutilla, brother Richard Souders, sister-in-law Aurora Souders, and granddaughter Erin Taylor.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 – 12:00 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service at Barrington Woods Condo Association Club House, 303 Barrington Circle, Lansing, MI 48917. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Shirlee Knutilla to CorsoCare Hospice, 950 Corporate Office Dr #150, Milford, MI 48381. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.