Roy Shively

A friend to many, Roy Shively never knew a stranger. Outgoing and a well liked fellow, he lived a life of faithfulness to his Lord and devotion to the family he dearly loved. He leaves behind wonderful memories to be cherished and will be forever remembered in the hearts of many.

The year 1931 was a difficult time in our nation's history as the Great Depression created a jobless rate of nearly four million. Even so, many Americans remained optimistic, never letting go of hopes for a promising future. It was also during this time when the nation was in awe as New York City opened the Empire State Building, and celebrated as the Star-Spangled banner was adopted as the U.S. national anthem. In the riverfront community of Plainwell, Michigan, Clyde and Vinnie (Smith) Shively had reason to celebrate on May 4, 1931 when they welcomed the birth of their son, Roy Lee.

Times were hard for many and young Roy's family was no exception. His father worked as a lumberjack in Northern Michigan. Later, they moved to Otsego where he worked for the paper mill there. Roy's mother remained at home as a homemaker to look after Roy, the youngest, and his older sisters, Leona, Helen, Shirley and Thelma. With four sisters to dote on him, he was without a doubt their spoiled little baby brother. Plainwell was the place where Roy was raised and came to call his forever home. As a young boy he learned the fundamentals of faith at home and at First Baptist Church where he was a lifelong member.

Fun-loving, he shared many friendships filled with childhood adventures. Many of the close friends he made from his youth remained friends throughout his life. Welcoming to all, Roy was simply a likable fellow who never met a stranger. This was especially true for Roy on one occasion in particular when he was 15 years old. While attending a youth group meeting with a friend at the Baptist Church in Otsego, he met a pretty girl his age named Connie LaHuis. The two became fast friends and before long began dating.

Roy attended the locals schools in Plainwell and developed into quite an athlete. In high school he played football, basketball and ran track, and as a member of the school band, he proudly played the trombone. His outgoing nature was evident whenever he participated in school plays and he loved singing with the school choir. After graduating from Plainwell High School in 1949 Roy went on to work various jobs. His feelings for Connie grew and eventually he proposed. On January 26, 1951 they were blessed in marriage at the First Baptist Church in his hometown of Plainwell. For having met at the age of 15 and becoming husband and wife at the age of 19, Roy and Connie's love continued to grow for the next 60 years.

The following December Roy and Connie welcomed the birth of their son, Leroy into their hearts and twin daughters, Charlene and Darlene, completed their family. Loving yet strict, Roy was firm when it came to rules. Dinner around their table was sacred family time. They ate together and no one left the table until everyone was finished with their meal. Over the years they shared many great discussions over dinner, some of which included Roy's hopes and dreams for his children's futures. He lovingly held many ambitions for them, with rules attached that were not meant to be broken. Perhaps it was from the era for which he was raised, but in all he did, Roy foremost loved his family beyond compare.

Over the years Roy held several jobs. He was a meat cutter for a local butcher, a milkman, and even owned his own business at one point before landing a position with Plainwell Community Schools. He began in maintenance at entry level and eventually worked his way up to the head of maintenance for the entire school system. At the age of 32 he began taking classes at Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College but stopped short of graduating when his children neared college age. Financially, it wouldn't be feasible for all of them to be in school, and his children came first.

A few of the things Roy enjoyed included singing, golfing, and waterskiing. He was on a fast pitch softball league with his son, but the one thing he truly loved was riding his bike. This hobby gave Roy peace of mind and enjoyment after his early retirement in 1988 following his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis in 1986. His doctor told him to remain active because it would slow the progression of the disease, and that's exactly what Roy did. He took his love for bike riding to the next level and rode all the more. When he could no longer balance the two wheels, he acquired a three wheel recumbent bike. In fact, Roy's determination really paid off when he biked 960 miles around Lake Michigan in a mere 12 days.

Roy was delighted to become a grandfather and dearly loved each of them, including his great-grandchildren when they came along. He was quite active in their lives and attended their many events and activities whenever he was able. Whether his children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, Roy warmly taught them about the love of God and the love of family. He never ceased in encouraging them to do their best and often shared, "you gotta work through the impossible to get to the possible". Roy believed anything was possible and his positive nature served as a fine example.

At the age of 79, Roy Shively sadly passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at the Life Care Center. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was a friend to many and will be dearly missed.

Roy’s family includes his wife of 60 years, Connie; children: Leroy (Darlene) Shively, Charlene (Jon) Plotner, Darlene (Tom) Kohn; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Visit with his family and friends on Saturday, April 9, 2011, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Plainwell; 404 West Bridge Street St. (685-8888) where the funeral for Roy will be held at 12:00 PM. Please visit Roy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a memory, photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral and to make a memorial donation to the National Parkinson’s Foundation.