Shirley Shane

Loving, compassionate, and kind, Shirley L. Shane lived a life rich in faith and family. With an infectious laugh and a heart that knew no stranger, Shirley welcomed everyone with warmth and comfort. Genuinely devoted to her family, Shirley relished time with her loved ones. She inspired others by her example and embraced life’s joys and challenges.

In 1929 there was great joy in the home of Ruby (Stogner) and Haskell Manes as they welcomed their daughter Shirley on February 2, in Minot, North Dakota. Shirley’s father supported the family by working as an electrician. He was especially proud of having worked on the Hoover Dam and the Alaskan radar installation. The family moved to Kalamazoo when Shirley was in 5th grade. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, class of 1946. Outgoing and intelligent, Shirley discovered a love for journalism during her high school years. She continued her education at Western Michigan College where she was a member of Theta Pi Alpha, the Newman Club, and Der Deutsche Verein. She also served as a news editor of the Western Herald.

While working at Summerlott’s Pharmacy, Shirley met her future husband. Chuck Shane was a coworker who quickly caught her eye and captured her heart. The happy couple married on November 25, 1948.

Shirley enthusiastically embraced motherhood. In time, the couple was blessed with seven children. Mary, Jean, Michael, John, Kathleen, Charles II, and Richard were the heartbeats of Shirley’s world. Though she occasionally did some work outside the home she knew her kids needed her, and she made sure she was home when they were.

Never one to require the spotlight, Shirley was happy to work behind the scenes while Chuck took on the public role of a small business owner. Shirley masterfully ran a well-organized home. She learned how to bake from her mother-in-law, ensuring the family had delicious desserts at every meal. Her cherry, blueberry, and lemon meringue pies were unrivaled.

Shirley embodied the very best qualities of a mother. She celebrated her children’s various personalities and the wide variety of friends they brought home. Shirley loved to read special books to her grandchildren and allowed them to play with her pots and pans on the kitchen floor. She was often found with a grandchild next to her on the piano bench enjoying the music she played.

In 1948, Shirley converted to Catholicism and attended St. Joseph Church. She believed in and loved the Eucharist; it was her guiding light. With a servant’s heart, she proudly led Communion Services and was ahead of her time with her involvement in the church. A true trailblazer in her time, she served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, editor of the parish newsletter, and parish secretary for over 13 years.

A woman of many interests, Shirley enjoyed playing Bridge, taking to the dance floor with Chuck, and performing in the Borgess Follies and Hackett Cabaret. She truly enjoyed golfing at Grand Prairie. She participated in a women’s church study group, and many book clubs over the years. She loved to read and she loved to travel.

Shirley was a master shopper who had a great eye for fashion and a good bargain. She navigated grocery and retail stores with savvy and delighted in a deal, much to the chagrin of her husband. This talent proved especially helpful when she worked in the Borgess gift shop and was a buyer for the Borgess Service League. Always eager to give of her time and talents, Shirley served as President of the Southwest Michigan Pharmacists’ Association Auxiliary. She also volunteered with the Girl Scouts and was President of the Ladies Library Association. A contributor to the Ladies Library Story Corps project, it is a comfort to know that Shirley’s voice is preserved for generations to come.

While volunteering and traveling the world fancied her heart, nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family at the cottage on Eagle Lake, Decatur. As with the home in Kalamazoo, the cottage had an open door policy, and all were welcome. Many cherished memories were created at the cottage. Shirley was especially pleased to share this place of family togetherness with her grandchildren.

May we know the comfort of carrying Shirley’s beautiful legacy forward. When we bow our heads in prayer, welcome a stranger as a friend, whole-heartedly laugh, or gather around the table with our loved ones, we celebrate the many ways we have been gifted by Shirley’s love and life.

Shirley L. Shane was born February 2, 1929, in Minot, ND, the daughter of Ruby (Stogner) and Haskell Manes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles in 2015; daughter, Kathleen Shane in 2017, and by an infant brother, James Manes. She is survived by 6 children: Mary Bellinger, Jean Shane, Michael Shane (Terrence Jezowski), John (Brenda) Shane, Charlie (Teri) Shane, and Richard (Terri) Shane; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family extends their gratitude to the staff of Amber Way and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.

Visit with family and friends on Sunday (Oct 13) from 2-5pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where a Prayer Service will be held at 5pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday (Oct 14) at 11am at St. Joseph Church. A luncheon will follow in the church hall with burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit Shirley’s personal web page at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you can read her story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Sr. Mary Bader Foundation c/o Ministry with Community, 500 N. Edwards Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.