Shirley Hoffman

Shirley Hoffman was born on June 10, 1923 to William and Lydia (Evans) Brown in Berkley, California. She was a woman of enduring faith and loved her church. She was active in her congregation at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Allegan. Her favorite network was BYU Television, a cable/satellite channel operated by Brigham Young University. One of the greatest days of her life was when she went to Salt Lake City to do some work in the temple there.

Shirley experienced her share of trials as a young girl. Her mother died when she was just barely a teenager, and she eventually went to live with relatives in Idaho. She lived on a farm, which was a bit like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. She was a city girl through and through. Shirley’s time on the farm instilled within her a strong work ethic that remained with her throughout her entire life. Because of her challenging upbringing, Shirley was a very independent person who was resourceful and knew how to fend for herself in any situation. Those experiences molded a young girl into a woman with an endless caring for others in need.

In addition to her own family, Shirley owned and operated an adult foster care home for over 35 years and this wasn’t just a job to her. It was a matter of the heart. She genuinely loved her girls and provided them with glimpses of the world they had never experienced before. Shirley took them on trips in the motor home where fun-filled memories were made that will last a lifetime for everyone along for the journey. What made Shirley so extraordinary at her job was that she treated her girls with respect and dignity, always striving to be an example of Christ’s love towards them. At the time of her passing Gail, Lydia and Linda were still living with her and remain as a loved and permanent part of her family.

Shirley was a mother to seven children: Drew, Terry, Linda, Sherry, George, Ted, and Tom, and she later adopted her granddaughter, Brandy. Shirley was a loving mother to her children rejoiced in their accomplishments.

Shirley’s touch extended even further than to her own children and the residents she cared for. Because of her compassionate heart, she was asked by the juvenile courts to temporarily house troubled teens. A bit later on, Shirley was overjoyed to become a grandmother and she adored each and every one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was so proud of them, their pictures nearly filling her bedroom mirror.

There were so many things that made Shirley truly one-of-a-kind. She liked to dress up and always made sure she looked just so, complete with the right piece of jewelry. Shirley even had a mink coat for those special occasions. Because of her humble beginnings, she was always proud of her business accomplishments.

Those who knew Shirley Hoffman knew that her faith and her family were the two most important things to her. She was a woman of great strength with a strong will who never backed down from a challenge. Rather than wallowing in the trials during her life, Shirley rose above, brining beauty from the ashes. Shirley was a gift to those around her and she leaves behind a timeless legacy, her life a true reflection of what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ. Her absence will be deeply felt by many.

Shirley Hoffman died on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Shirley’s family includes her children: Terry Thompson, Sherry (Phil) Richmond, George (Carol) Hoffman, Tom (Lynn) Hoffman, Brandy (Joey) Rayborn, a sister Olie Kravich, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her beloved residents at her foster care home. Shirley was preceded in death by her children: Drew, Linda and Ted. Visit with her family and friends, view her life story film and share light refreshments on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881). A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 687 Linn Street, Allegan. Please visit Shirley’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation.