Shirley Jean Dykema

Obituary for Shirley Jean Dykema

Shirley Jean Dykema, age 90, of Mason, Michigan, entered eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family. She was born in Port Huron on January 27, 1935 to George and Lucille (Allen) Paeth. Tragically, Lucille died of pneumonia shortly after Shirley's birth. She was raised by her paternal Aunt Ruth (Frank) Davis, who provided a loving mother-role throughout her lifetime. Ruth and Frank later had two sons of their own, Del and Gary Davis who were considered little brothers to Shirley.

Shirley was a lifelong child of God whose passions included quilting and tending to her beautiful flower gardens. She graduated from Eastern High School in 1952 and married the love of her life, Louis "Louie" Arthur Dykema on April 7, 1956. Together, they built a home filled with love, faith, and generosity.

Shirley began her career at Michigan Bell, where she worked from 1952 to 1961 before devoting herself to her home and family. She and Louie began their family in October 1961 when they adopted their son, John. They opened their hearts and home again in October 1964 to complete their family with the addition of their daughter, LuAnne. Shirley's greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always putting the needs of her family above her own and providing a loving home for all.

She is survived by her children: John Dykema and LuAnne (Bob) Barkley; grandchildren: Robert Barkley III (Amanda) and Lauren Jean Barkley (Nick Dyer); and great-grandchildren: Adalynn Jean Barkley (6) and Logan Robert Andrew Dyer (3).

Shirley is survived by her siblings, Gerald Paeth, Linda Paeth and George Paeth as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Louie, her beloved husband of more than 60 years, along with her siblings Ray Paeth, Maxine White, Marilyn Langolf, Janet Dowd, Karen Paeth, Del Davis and Gary Davis.

Special friends include Jack and Rhonda Church (who selflessly took over yard maintenance and continued to look after Shirley following Louie's passing in 2016), Patti and Dennis O'Brien who cared deeply for her over the years. Lisa (Archer) Dave Hufnagel and Sidney who were considered family.

Shirley will be remembered for her faith, her selfless devotion to her family, and her many talents-including being the best cookie baker every holiday. She was known for her incredible precision, even boiling tweezers to perfectly place cookie decorations. She was also an exceptional quilter and seamstress. Shirley enjoyed board games, puzzles, playing cards and reading.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution, Louie and Shirley were long-time supporters of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, sacrifice, and unconditional love, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Shirley's funeral service will be held at St Matthew Lutheran Church in Holt, Michigan on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM where she was a charter member. Interment will follow in Leek Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Holt Chapel.

John and LuAnne would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at both Red Cedar Lodge and McLaren Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Shirley and us during this difficult time.