Shirley A. Walter

Shirley A. Walter, 73, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City with her loving husband at her side. Shirley was born on March 9, 1940 to the late Forest and Martha (Patterson) Shipman in Clinton County, Michigan. She graduated from Grand Ledge High School with the class of 1958. On November 8, 1958 she married John L. Walter and they raised three children. In 1980 she received an Associate in Arts Degree from Grand Rapids Junior College. In 1987 Shirley and her husband started Architectural Metals, Inc. and she worked for a time as the bookkeeper. Shirley was always very active in the church and community wherever they lived. She served as the head of the Jaycee auxiliary in Grand Ledge, was a Girl Scout leader for eight years and was very involved in the Michigan Capital Girl Scout Council. She had a booth at Ledge Craft Lane in Grand Ledge where she sold handmade items. She was a devoted volunteer at Sparrow Hospital gift shop for over 25 years. She volunteered for CVIP at Michigan State University for several years and for countless activities at church. Shirley was an energetic person and always had something going on. She enjoyed playing bridge for many years with friends and family. She was a Master Gardener and loved flowers and gardening. She was an excellent cook and loved trying new recipes. She was blessed to travel with family on many wonderful trips over the years. She was a very creative person and used this in her many interests. Shirley is survived by her husband of 55 years, John L. Walter; children: Holly (Gary) Dluge of Traverse City, John P. (Hao Min) Walter of Rochester Hills, Penny (Dale) Schuiling of Grand Rapids; sister, Charlene Lipka of Sedona AZ; brothers: Dean (Zita) Shipman of Traverse City, Dale (Penny) Shipman of Bowling Green OH, Don (Sue) Shipman of Interlochen, Fred (Ruth) Shipman of Traverse City; aunt, Harriette (Ron) Henrickson of Lafayette CA; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 from 2-4 pm and 5-7 pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Central United Methodist Church at 11:00 am Wednesday, August 14, 2013, with visiting one hour prior. Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne from University United Methodist Church will officiate. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to University United Methodist Church in East Lansing or Munson Hospice House in Traverse City.

Shirley A. Walter

March 9, 1940 - August 8, 2013