Shirley Watson

Shirley Watson was a blessing to her family and many friends. Fun loving and outgoing, it was easy to be in her company. Accomplished in many respects, her inquisitive nature and love for learning found her involved in much. Although she leaves many who will dearly miss her, Shirley will be forever remembered in the hearts of her loving family and friends.

The year was 1921 and the American dream was alive and well. Working at a fevered pitch, good fortune was found throughout the nation as the economy soared. With the Roaring Twenties in full swing, the sweet sound of jazz played on the radio while the Charleston and Babe Ruth baseball was all the rage. As America was experiencing a time of rapid growth, Alton and Lettie B. (Miller) Sloat were experiencing a little excitement during that time at home. Nestled in the farming community of Ovid Township, Michigan on November 27, 1921, they welcomed their fifth child, a little girl they lovingly named Shirley.

The youngest and only daughter, Shirley grew up with five older brothers who protectively watched over her from day one. Her parents made their living as farmers without a lack of chores to be done around the house and farm. They raised cows that needed milking and feeding, and later took on sheep. As a child Shirley loved playing and sharing adventures with neighborhood friends. She remained especially close to her childhood friends Betty and Mary who forged a wonderful friendship well into their adulthood. The importance of family was significant in Shirley’s life, too. Her family was very close, and remained so throughout the years.

Growing up through the Great Depression proved to be a difficult time for all, and Shirley’s family was no exception. They found pleasure in little things. A life of farming had it’s share of ups and downs, but Shirley’s family pulled together and made the most of these trying times. From an early age, Shirley displayed a knack for learning, and always with an inquisitive nature. When she was just three years old, she tagged alongside her big brothers to Sherburn Elementary School one day. Once there, the teachers allowed young Shirley to stay where she became the youngest member of her class!

Always bright and with an opinion of her own, Shirley was a fun loving girl who made friends quickly and easily. Her outgoing nature made her a friend to all. Although her classmates were older than Shirley by several years, she went on to graduate from Ovid High School at the age of 16. Her young age allowed the opportunity for her to return to high school after graduating for a year of post graduate studies. She began attending County Normal School with intentions of becoming a teacher, but she never found the opportunity to complete her course work.

In 1939 Shirley took a job working at the Clinton County Extension Office where she served as a Supervisor. She was integral in helping organize 4-H groups for the Clinton County area. A small and close knit community, it was while attending a send-off party for young Army recruits at Ovid High School that Shirley met the love of her life. A dashing young man, Robert “Bob” Watson swept Shirley off her feet. The feeling was mutual, and before long the two were in love. It was difficult for them to spend quality time together. Her family, especially her four protective brothers, made it hard for them to date. Love found a way in Shirley’s heart. She often stayed with her friend Edna so she could spend time with her beloved Bob.

After a year’s courtship, Shirley and Bob decided to get married. In October of 1940, they secretly went to Fremont, Michigan and eloped without telling of their plans to do so. Upon their return, they broke their silence, and Bob’s family happily provided a wonderful reception for them a month later. Moving to Alma, Michigan, they set out on their own when Bob took a job with the Detroit Creamer Company. Before long they welcomed the addition of children into their lives. Barbara Ann was born in 1942, followed by Cheryl Lynn in 1945. Seven years later in 1952, Dean came along, and David completed their family in 1957. In time they returned home to Ovid where Shirley loved being a mother. She was a homemaker and provided a wonderful home for her family. A family of faith, they were longtime members of Shepardville United Methodist Church in Ovid. In fact, Shirley was a past recipient of the United Methodist Women‘s Dove Award. As a cook, Shirley made many delicious meals that became family favorites.

When her youngest son David turned ten, Shirley decided to return to the working world outside her home. She began working at GTE where she made many close friends with her outgoing and personable nature. She was a member of the American Business Women’s Association and a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She continued her involvement with the 4-H program, serving as a leader. In her late fifties, Shirley she was diagnosed with cancer in 1979, and gladly overcame it. When her husband Bob unexpectedly died in a work related accident in 1970, it proved to be a difficult time for Shirley. She relied on her loving family and the closeness of friends was a great comfort to her. She continued working at GTE for 15 years as a dedicated employee until retiring in 1985.

As a member of the Ovid Duplain Library Club, Shirley was an avid reader, especially historical novels. Although she spent quiet time reading, she also enjoyed working with her hands. She loved to sew, and her needlework created beautiful pieces her family continues to enjoy. Painting Christmas figurines filled her time as well, and many were donated for the church Christmas bizarre each year. Her retirement years found Shirley enjoying the love and company of her grandchildren. She doted on them when she could, often taking in a shopping trip or two when they were together.

Another bout of cancer struck Shirley in 1994. Being much older, it was a long and difficult recovery for Shirley. A heart attack in 2009 took a toll on Shirley, and she never fully recovered. Sadly, at the age of 88, Shirley died on Friday, February 12, 2010 with her family by her side. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by those she leaves behind.

Shirley is survived by her children, Barbara (Victor) Higgins, Cheryl (William) Hartman, Dean (Kay) Watson, all of Ovid, and David (Julie) Watson of Freeland; grandchildren, Cindy and Lori Higgins, Lee and Lynn Hartman, Trevor, Kamri, Robert, Jason and Kyle Watson, and Brian Mills; great-grandchildren, Josh, Jennifer, Ben, Will, Dahlia, Madison, Tyler, Hunter, Jayla, and Kaleb; great great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Joshua; sisters-in-law, Jane Sloat and Carol Watson; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid with Pastor Judy Hazel officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM both Monday and Tuesday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to the Shepardville United Methodist Church in Ovid. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory of Shirley, submit a photo or to sign her online guest book.