Shirley Christina Ankerson

TRAVERSE CITY – Shirley C. Ankerson, age 82, of Traverse City, passed away Friday, October 14, 2016, at the Culver Meadows Assisted Living Facility. Shirley was born January 26, 1934 to Joseph and Norine Weber, in Hannah, MI. She grew up on the family farm and at an early age learned the values of hard work, where she enjoyed working alongside her father. Shirley worked 37 years for Burwood’s Products beginning in 1959 and retiring in 1995, where she held various jobs, primarily in shipping and receiving. Shirley met her husband while the two were working at Cherry Growers, in Traverse City, and on August 20, 1960, Shirley married her husband of 56 years, Gerald Ankerson, at Immaculate Conception Church, in Traverse City. Together, Shirley and Gerald loved spending time outdoors. They loved traveling to the Upper Peninsula where they enjoyed everything the outdoors has to offer; hunting, fishing, and riding ATV’s through the Huron Mountains. Shirley also loved to spend time at the family property on Long Lake, in Traverse City, where the entire family would get together and spend time on the lake swimming, boating, and fishing. Shirley always put others in front of her; she never hesitated to sacrifice things in her life for the benefit of others. She had a strong sense of family, and extremely hardworking. Shirley is survived by her husband, Gerald, son, Tom (Vicky) Ankerson, grandchildren; Bjorn Ankerson, and Nicole Smith, brothers; Kneale (Diane) Weber, Leo (Karen) Weber, David (Doty) Weber, all of Kingsley, MI, sister, Marge Peplinski, Owosso, MI. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, siblings; Laverne, Dorothy, Donald, Gordon, Ted, and Larry. A visitation for Shirley will take place from 5:00 – 8:00 pm with a rosary service beginning at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will also take place from 10:00 – 11:00 am on Friday, October 21, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City, with a funeral mass beginning at 11:00 am. A luncheon will be held at the church following mass. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E Traverse Hwy #1155, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Shirley Christina Ankerson

January 26, 1934 - October 14, 2016