Shirley A. Hawver

There are those people that aren't world renowned, but are instead committed to those who they have the most intimate contact with and are able to change lives. Shirley Hawver was always active and accomplishing things. She led a life for children, adults, and her family and friends to look up to.

As the country and world around, continued to mend the wounds of the first World War, in the little town of Otsego, Michigan, parents Clyde and Vinnie (Smith) Shively welcomed into their family a new baby girl. Shirley was born on a warm summer day, August 24, 1923. Shirley grew up in Otsego, she started school in Otsego, but eventually transferred back to Plainwell and graduated from there in 1942.

In the July of 1972, Shirley found love for the first time and married Earl Foust. They were together until his death. She was to find love again, it was with Archie Hawver, and they were married in July of 1984. Even after his death in 1986, Shirley continued to run "Archie's"- a restaurant in Mendon she and Archie had run together -until the January of 1988. Before Archie's death, in 1985, Shirley retired from Peterson Spring Company, where she worked as a punch operator for 29 years. She also spent her time volunteering with Civitan, a group that works with handicapped children.

Shirley was a woman of many talents and interests. Being musically inclined she was a self-taught accordion, piano and organ player. She put her talents to use in church and in a traveling music group. She enjoyed talking with family members, but always kept her hands busy by creating her beloved canvas or needle work projects. Beyond her crafts she loved to play games, card games, boggle, and horseshoes. Bowling was amongst Shirley's games. She played on two leagues every week and decided that she would start bowling with her left hand, simply to keep it challenging. She also, loved Tweedy Bird!

Shirley's grandchildren were the joy of her life. She lived a life of love and happiness, but most of all shared her love and happiness with others.

Shirley A. Hawver of Plainwell, died at Borgess-Pipp Hospital on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 following heart complications. She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Rick Lee, brother-in-law Dale Breseman, granddaughters: Martha & Judith Berry, and husbands Earl & Archie. Shirley's family includes her children: David & Jo Mintern of Battle Creek, Barbara & Wilbur Wahmhoff of Plainwell, June Lee of Vicksburg, and Rosemary Bauder of Sturgis; 23 grandchildren; more than 40 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; siblings: Leona Shively, Helen Shively, and Roy & Constance Shively all of Plainwell, and Thelma Breseman of Lawton.

Friends may visit with Shirley's family Learn more about Shirley and visit with her family on Friday, September 16, 2005 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, where her Lifestory service will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 11 AM. Please visit Shirley's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial donation to the Community Baptist Church in Vicksburg or the American Heart Association.