TRAVERSE CITY — Shirley Winnifred Ewald, 85, of Traverse City, died July 30, 2015 at her daughter's home in Traverse City, with her children by her side while under the care of Munson Hospice.
Shirley was born Sept. 24, 1929 in Rochester, to Frederick and Avis (Durkee) Starr. She is survived by her seven siblings, Donna, Isabelle, Sharon, Lois, Mary, Philip and Paul.

Shirley was married to the Reverend Albert Henry Ewald on June 17, 1949 in Detroit. They were married for 47 years and had five children, Daniel, Timothy, Ruth, David and Mark.

Shirley was an accomplished pianist and attended Bible College after graduating from high school. Shirley received awards for community service as well as for years of dedicated service to various mission works. As a spouse of a pastor, she resided in several states and her compassion encompassed a diverse array of individuals. Shirley gave to many charities throughout her life.
Shirley enjoyed going to church, visiting with friends and talking on the phone. She loved listening to sports (especially the Tigers and the Lions) while getting late night phone calls from her sons during game time. Shirley loved her baby dolls, stuffed animals, salt and pepper collections, her dogs and birds, baking and being with her family.

Shirley is survived by her children, Timothy Ewald and his wife, Sharon, of Howell; Ruth Hallett and her husband, Dan, of Traverse City; and Mark Ewald and his wife, Shirley, of Shade Gap, Pennsylvania; and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Daniel Jorene Ewald. Shirley had 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Albert Ewald; her sons, the Rev. Daniel Ewald and David Ewald; grandsons, Donald Ewald and Michael Hallett; granddaughter, Michelle Hallett; granddaughter-in-law, Maholla Ewald; mother and father; and her brother, Samuel Starr.
Thanks are extended to all that have shared our mother's life with us. A granddaughter summed it up well when she said, "Grandma loved her family, but she belonged to everyone."

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place on Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, at 3 p.m., at the funeral home, with a visitation held one hour prior. A luncheon will be given by her beloved church friends at Interlochen Library following the ceremony. All are welcome.

Memorial contributions in Shirley's name may be made to Munson Hospice of Traverse City.

Please share your thoughts and memories with Shirley's family by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.