Shirley Lou Sauber

In Loving Memory of Shirley Lou Sauber (Ward) (1937-2025)
With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved matriarch, Shirley Lou Sauber, on the morning of October 17, 2025. She transitioned gently from this world, cradled by the love of her family in her cherished home at the age of 88. She was born on May 26, 1937, in Jackson, Michigan, to Perry and Ethel (Gillette) Ward.
Shirley was a remarkable woman, a treasure of countless talents, but none shone as brightly as her gift with a paintbrush. Every night, she would transform her dining room into a sanctuary of creativity, where she breathed life into everyday objects - rolling pins, saw blades, and a myriad of other treasures - turning them into extraordinary works of art. Each piece bore witness to her unique spirit and unwavering passion, inspiring those around her to see beauty in the ordinary. What set Shirley apart was not only her artistic flair but also her vibrant personality. She was a woman of honesty and warmth, sharing her thoughts and feelings openly with everyone she met. A devoted reader, Shirley never missed an opportunity to enrich her knowledge and vocabulary. She took great joy in challenging her grandchildren with questions about history, geography, and current events, relishing their thoughtful responses and celebrating their achievements. Shirley's porch was a gathering place for family, where laughter and stories flowed easily. It was there, under the open sky, that she shared her wisdom and love - discussions that wandered from the trivial to the profound, bonding generations together.
As a loving mother of nine, Shirley leaves behind her cherished children: Colleen Carpenter (Fred Carpenter), Steve Sauber (Debbie Sauber), Britt Sauber, Kevin Sauber (Christina Sauber), Morgan Sauber, Shanna Wood (Kevin Wood), and Jaime Hendershott (Mick Hendershott). Her heart swells with pride for her countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each one carrying a piece of her legacy forward. She is reunited in spirit with her late husband, James Edward Sauber, and her beloved sons, Mark and Aaron Sauber (Sandy Sauber). Shirley was not just a mother and grandmother; she was the heart of our family. Her laughter, genuine and full of joy, will resonate in our memories forever, a comforting reminder of a life beautifully lived and loved. We will cherish her spirit, holding her close in our hearts as we navigate the days ahead without her.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Hillsdale, Michigan, at 1:00 pm with Deacon John Crowley officiating.
Please visit www.hamptonfuneralhomes.com to sign the online guest book and/or leave a condolence to the family.
Hampton Funeral Home-Hanover
517-437-0605