Shirley A. Fowler

Shirley A. Fowler, age 90, of Hillsdale, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Ludington Woods Assisted Living. She was born on October 21, 1934, in Homer, to Ralph and Lillian (Winchell) Smith. She married Freddie D. Fowler on May 11, 1963, and he preceded her in death on September 17, 2021.
Shirley graduated from Homer High School, in Homer Michigan. In her years of marriage, her focus was on raising her kids, which included being a scout leader, gardening, being chauffeur for many school activities and music lessons, costume maker, and so much more. Later, she went on to become licensed as a realtor and broker, for many years working alongside her husband for Fowler Real Estate. Shirley's passion was to help so many in the community find their first time homes and their forever homes. Beyond this she linked arms with various organizations to provide help for different events that served Hillsdale's community.
In her private life, there were a few things that brought her joy. One thing for Shirley was her art endeavor as a painter. So many have had the blessing of having beautiful paintings to enjoy in their homes. Also, her husband Fred and herself seemed to attract many stray kitties that found a safe haven on their farm, they diligently cared for them which included having them spayed and neutered. Shirley loved nature and made it a goal to each day pick up 100 sticks out in the woods of their beloved farm and often if you came to visit, it wouldn't be surprising to find her out working in her many flower beds.
Shirley is survived by six children, Debbie McDermott, Kathy Aube, Randy Fowler, Rhonda Fowler, Colleen (Marlin) Kyser, and Bruce (Michelle) Fowler; and 107 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years, Freddie; two children, Pam and Harold Fowler; and four siblings, Francis, Jimmy, Beverly and Barbara.
A graveside service for Shirley Fowler will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Northlawn Cemetery in North Adams.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility or Perennial Park Senior Center.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale.