Shirley Ann Smars

SHIRLEY ANN SMARS

March 29, 1938 - October 8, 2025

Shirley left us peacefully at LindenGrove New Berlin on October 8, 2025, at the age of 87. She lived with and was cared for by her son, Russ and his wife, Denise, for the past four years in New Berlin, WI. Prior to that she lived in Thiensville, Cedarburg and New Berlin with her brother, Ed, until the time of his death in 2021. Her life before this also took her to various other locations to live in Wisconsin, California and Arizona.

Shirley was born on March 29, 1938, at home in Delafield, WI to her parents, Forrest and Iva Myhill. She grew up on a farm with her parents and siblings as the oldest of five children. She eloped and married Gilbert Smars in 1955 and had the first of five children in 1956. By the end of 1958 she had three children in diapers (MJ, Russell, and Kerry). Her other two children were born in 1962 (Patty) and 1966 (Peggy). They were all her favorites. She was also eventually blessed with a large extended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who meant the world to her.

The rest of her life was dedicated to caring for her family. Shirley worked at several part-time and full-time jobs throughout her life, often in the food industry. But her primary career was being a dedicated, loving wife and mother. Although these roles brought with them trials, tribulations and hardships she persevered and continued to be, right to the end, one of the most loving, hard-working and strongest people we know. Her devotion and faith kept her strong through it all. She was no quitter, and she bounced back time after time!

In addition to being dedicated to her family and a treasured friend to many, she was a true Brewers fan and loved watching games with her brother and sons. She also liked doing jigsaw puzzles and was an awesome cook. She loved watching birds and wildlife, especially outside the dining room window at Russ and Denise's house in her last years.

Shirley is survived by a large family and many friends and relatives who cherished her and will miss her so very much. She is survived by her sister, Clara (Jerdie) of Pensacola, FL; her children, MJ (Stewart), Russ (Denise), Patty, and Peggy; her grandchildren, Dana (Pete), Shaunna (Christopher), Keith (Ali), Kelley (Steve), Chris (Haley Jo), Forrest (Lily), Vincent, Gilbert (Samantha), Jamil (Havilah), Chantelle (Chris), and Nick (Krystal). She is also survived by many great grandchildren and one great great grandchild who she treasured.

She was predeceased by her parents, Forrest and Iva Myhill; her husband, Gilbert; her brother, Edward; her sisters, Bertha and Phyllis; and her son, Kerry.

A Visitation and Celebration of Shirley's life will be held at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 15250 W. National Ave., New Berlin, WI on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM until time of the Memorial Service at 3:00 PM. The family invites all who knew and loved her to attend and share their favorite memories.

To live in the hearts of those we leave behind,

is not to die.

Thomas Campbell

Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family

Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659

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