Shirley Zimmerman

Shirley Jean Zimmerman, of Sumner, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Masonic Pathways in Alma, Michigan on March 8, 2022, reaching the age of 89 years. Shirley was born October 10th, 1932, in Petosky, Michigan to William and Zerelda (Smith) Detwiler. As a young girl, she moved with her family to St. Louis, Michigan. This is where she attended school and spent her growing up years. Shirley married Raymond Zimmerman August 30th, 1951, in Crystal, Michigan. To this union were born five daughters and one son; Connie, Pamela, Karol, Zerelda “Janie”, Gilbert, and Becky. Shirley felt the need for a church home and joined the Mennonite church in 1961 and began her Christian life and her walk with the Lord. Most of her work was serving as a Caregiver and Nurses Aid. She enjoyed doing crafts, designing her own cards to mail to loved ones, and traveling. She was a very unselfish person and loved giving to others. Shirley lovingly took on many other children who needed motherly guidance throughout her adult life. Her grandchildren remember her as a strong faithful woman who led them to the love of God and took them to Vacation Bible School as often as possible. They cherish the memories of picking berries and snapping beans. She taught many of them how to garden and work basic crafts. She taught them hymns, read them scriptures, and always had candy for them in her purse. She will be lovingly missed by her family, but the thought of Grandma being with Jesus in Heaven brings us comfort. Those left to grieve her passing are her children: Connie Donaldson of Sumner, MI, Janie (Darren) Catenacci of Davison, MI, Gilbert (Elizabeth) Zimmerman of Hamilton, Alabama, and Becky (Jesse) Rodriguez of Riverdale, MI; 15 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; numerous great-great grandchildren; one sister, Carol Singleton, of Alma, MI; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond; two daughters: Pamela and Karol; two sons-in-law, Donnie Donaldson and Roy Rhodes; one sister, Dolores (Vern) Peters. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022, at 11 A.M. at the Newark Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, 3446 S. Alger Rd, Ithaca, MI with Ministers Keith Litwiller and Michael Litwiller officiating. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 A.M. Burial will take place in the Hayes Road Cemetery. Condolence cards can be sent to 305 S Newton St. Middleton MI 48856.