Shirley Merlin Priest

Shirley Merlin Priest "The Butterfly Man" age 94, of Alma, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at his home with his family by his side. He was born April 15, 1931, in Jasper Township, Midland County the son of George and Mercy (Raymond) Priest.

Shirley M. proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Catamount after graduating from Shepherd High School.

He married the love of his life Shirley Ann Meyer on May 12, 1956, at Mt. St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Louis, Michigan. A blessed union of 69 years.

Together Shirley M. & Shirley Ann raised four daughters and enjoyed a life full of love, creating many beautiful memories. The two of them would sing to each other "I love you a bushel & a peck and a hug around the neck..."

A man of boundless kindness, he spent much time making butterflies to give away. Across the years he gave away over 3,500. He was known to many as "The Butterfly Man."

Shirley M. found joy in the simple areas of life; gardening, bringing in bouquets for his wife, cooking, baking pies, walking Nanook, biking, painting butterflies, crafting, building massive snow forts for his young girls, and so much more.

Shirley M. was an avid sportsman. When he was young he enjoyed providing his family with meals of pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, and venison. He also loved to fish. He could fish for hours whether or not they were even biting! He taught his girls to fish at an early age.

He retired as a Surveyor from Consumers Energy in 1987, after 32 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Alma.

He is greatly missed by his wife and his entire family.

Shirley M. is survived by his wife Shirley Ann; four daughters Pam (Phanu) Amatyakul of Brighton, Judy Priest (Renee Parks) of Grand Rapids, Annette Beyersdorf (Ric Lyzen) of Mason, Susan Priest of Alma; grandchildren Matthew (Lucy) Beyersdorf, Paul Amatyakul, Janet (Tommy) Hufnagel, Kate Beyersdorf; great-grandchildren Elliot and Winifred Beyersdorf.

Shirley M. was preceded in death by his parents, a brother John R. Priest and two sisters, Mary Jane Baldwin and Ruth Moore.

Cremation has taken place with services to be held at a later date with interment in Riverside Cemetery, Alma. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Shirley's obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com