Shirley Ann Bishop, 88, of Lake Ann peacefully joined her loving husband Jerry in their heavenly home on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 one day after their 68th Wedding Anniversary.
Shirley was born on Monday, November 7, 1927 in Saginaw, one of seven children born to Elsie Bertha (Gillman) and Frederick Paul Sommer. She married Jerry S. Bishop on Sunday, July 25, 1948, in Saginaw. They spent nearly 68 years together prior to Jerry's death on June 4, 2016. Together they raised three children, Craig (Shannon Allen) of Traverse City, Jim (Shirley Stephens) of Saginaw and Jenny Bishop of Rockford. Grams beloved grandchildren also survive her; Katie, Todd and Kellen Bishop of Traverse City, Mary Lou Stephens-Yates of Sparta, TN, Andrew Bishop of Tawas City; Nick, Jordan and Brendan Bishop of Saginaw. Shirley was blessed with seven great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, including her very special niece, Carol Butske of Bloomington, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her 6 siblings, Raymond (Mildred) Sommer, Violet (Frank) Lagalo, Lillian (Ken) Martuch, Lorraine (Les) Skiven, Fred (Fran) Sommer and Ronald (Mabel) Sommer.

Shirley and Jerry moved to the Lake Ann area from Saginaw following his retirement as a City of Saginaw firefighter. Shirley was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Interlochen where she participated in the Katharine Guild. Shirley was a gifted artist, knitter and an amazing homemaker, blessing family and friends with many wonderful meals and celebrations. Gardening, bird watching and reading at her Lake Ann home were favorite pastimes Shirley enjoyed.

Visitation for Shirley will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, July 29 at Redeemer Lutheran Church (1896 Rogers Road) in Interlochen, followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Mark Berlin will officiate. A graveside service for Shirley and Jerry will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Saginaw in the fall. Memorial contributions in Shirley's name can be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Highway, Suite 1155, Traverse City, 49684 or to the Lake Ann Food Pantry, 6583 First St., Lake Ann, MI 49650.