Shirley Ann Miller

Shirley Ann Miller, 83, of Ishpeming Township, passed away at her home Sunday morning, October 20, 2024.
Shirley was born February 7, 1941 in Marquette to George and Julia (Gustafson) Hood, attended Negaunee Public Schools, and was a lifelong resident.
Shirley would always tell us kids: "I've had a good life. I've had 3 wonderful husbands, I've been blessed with four wonderful children, four lovely grandchildren and three terrific great-grandchildren - what more could a person possibly ask for? Death is a part of life and I'm not afraid to die, I just don't want to miss out on all the fun." That was our mom, Shirley. The joy and laughter she brought to our lives will always be with us. Her wisdom, sense of humor with her funny quips and sayings from our childhood on, her positivity "don't think the worst and don't worry until you know what's what", her ability to take life as it comes, accept everyone as they are and appreciate the beauty of family and life will stay with us forever.
Mom was a homemaker with dinner on the table each night which usually included some type of dessert - typically a healthier one "because you get enough goodies from your grandma." She taught us to work hard but to always enjoy family first. While married to our step-dad, Ralph Dupras, she worked alongside him at Lakeside Iron Works administratively. They enjoyed life together traveling and living in Phoenix, AZ after Ralph's retirement. With Ralphs passing, she came home to Marquette to live near her children and family, later meeting Lowell Miller. Lowell stepped in as our bonus dad and they shared a life together for 25 years until Lowell's passing last October.
Shirley enjoyed life. Her early years were fraught with poverty but always the love of family. As she and three of her younger siblings grew, they were placed in foster care as pairs. She then lived in Negaunee until meeting our father, Albert. They stayed in Marquette raising their family. Mom believed in giving to charities, particularly The Salvation Army as she would always say how much they helped her out as a child. The last few checks she had written and sent out were to St. Jude's and The Salvation Army; she enjoyed giving to the Mining Journal Christmas Cheer Club and loved choosing special gifts each year to bring in.
Shirley adored her dogs. Her beloved Toby was at her side in her passing. Her late chocolate Lab, Maggie, who chewed everything in sight her first year brought her endless laughter and companionship. She would say, "how many dogs have their own car" as she and Lowell bought an old Isuzu just for taking Maggie for her runs in the woods in Negaunee. Heartbroken after losing Maggie, they adopted Milo from UPAWS and he enjoyed his later years as king of the house and recliner. She continued her love of dogs with her Toby for the last two years adopting him as a puppy. She would say "Thank God I have my Toby", after Lowell's passing.
Our mom, Shirley, was pure sunshine in our life and we did our best to be hers. She loved her flowers and flower garden, loved jewelry and would laugh and say 'you three girls can "fight" over it after I'm gone, but share and share alike". Her "poifumes", going on rides, American Idol, the Jewelry Channel, her "very" smart phone, her doll collection, going to the casino and she couldn't wait until the next family gathering or BBQ. She was an excellent cook and made what we considered the best chocolate chunk cookies and fudge brownies we've ever tasted. We've tried to duplicate them, but she had her own touch. We mustn't forget her Detroit Lions - "Go Lions" was her motto. She knew her football inside and out, and wouldn't think about missing a televised game. She was thrilled at how well they are playing this year and was a firm Detroit Red Wings and Tigers fan as well. Shirley looked forward to each and every day, and would always say "I'm just so happy to be here". She loved talking to her sisters on the phone at least once a day and absolutely loved the jokes we would send her. So full of laughter and light was our mom.
Shirley spoke very highly of her neighbors. Mark and Tammi - thank you so much for helping Shirley and Lowell out these past few years with snow removal etc. She would say she has the best neighbors anyone could ask for and we know we're missing some of you by name, but please know how much she appreciated you all. In ending, we must say how much our dear mom enjoyed Halloween. Her last grocery list we found included candy with a pumpkin face she drew next to it. She absolutely loved to hand out candy to the neighborhood kids by the handful. "Don't skimp on Halloween candy" she would say, "it's for the children" and she would be so happy each year with the abundance of kids who would come to her house for Trick or Treating - she laughed if she knew they were coming around for seconds and gladly gave.
Surviving are her three daughters: Linda Davis (Butch) of Missouri, Sandra (Joe) Drozd of Marquette, and Julie Feltner of Marquette; her son, Albert (Cindy) Feltner, Jr. of Kingsford; three grandchildren: Joseph Davis, Franklin Drozd, and Christine (Bobby) Cole; three great-grandchildren: Jackson Feltner, Brayleigh and Cash Cole; her first husband, Albert (Kim) Feltner, Sr.; three sisters: Betty Swenor, Mary (Harry) Boucher, and Dolly (Bill) Stuer; special sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Clara Feltner, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and her beloved dog, Toby.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Ralph Dupras in 1996, and Lowell Miller in 2023; her grandson, Daniel Feltner in 2015; her brother, Roy Hood; her son-in-law, Butch Davis in 2014; and in-laws: Christine and Alfred 'Bucky' Feltner and Geraldine Feltner.
Mom, "life must go on" as you would say, but we are forever thankful you received your gift from God in passing peacefully in your sleep and before your children. This is what she prayed for. We hold dearly all the special letters and poems you would write to us and your grandchildren and will cherish them forever. Go gently into the night dear mom. Your love will see us through. Honoring mom's wishes, no public service will be held. Shirley's family extends our sincere gratitude to Koskey Funeral Home for their support and guidance during this most difficult time.
Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. A celebration of Shirley's love of life and laughter will take place at a future date.