Shirley Caswell

Shirley Caswell was not someone consumed by the materials gains in life, but rather she surrounded herself with the things that matter most - family, friends and faith. She had a strong work ethic and a resourcefulness that was worthy of imitation, and a deep commitment to her family. Though Shirley spent her life working tirelessly both inside and outside the home, she was always able to enjoy the simple beauties in life. Her warm, caring disposition showed that Shirley enjoyed each day of her seventy years!

1935 was a harsh time in the history of this nation. The country was in the depths of the Great Depression, an event that took its toll on everything from the largest factory to the smallest family. But 1935 was also a year of hope. Amelia Earhart became the first woman to cross the Pacific Ocean, and the Social Security Act was passed, creating unemployment insurance and old age pensions. And there was hope in Lansing, Michigan. On April 9, 1935, Ernie Elden Guess and his wife, Nora May (Dowell), were delighted in welcoming the birth of their daughter, Shirley Ann. She was the middle of their six children.

Shirley spent her growing up years in Comstock, Michigan, where her family moved when she was a small child. She was a very active little girl, zooming around on her roller skates, playing games with her siblings and playing with paper dolls, which were quite the fad then. Already from an early age, Shirley was a hard worker, helping around the house and with her siblings, an ethic she maintained throughout her life. Her hard work was also evident in her schoolwork throughout her academic career in the Comstock Public Schools, where she attended through the eleventh grade.

When Shirley was eighteen, she met a handsome young serviceman named Eugene Russell Caswell. Sparks flew the moment the two laid eyes on each other and the next time Eugene was home on leave, they were married on November 7, 1953, in Otsego, Michigan. Their special day almost didn't happen though because with it being Election Day, the banks were closed and they had to borrow money to get their license. Nonetheless, they became Mr. and Mrs. Caswell that day and spent the next 52 years creating wonderful memories together. It wasn't long before their family started to grow and over the next ten years they would welcome six children into their family, Mike, Nora, Patricia, Russell, Betty Jo and Susan.

As a hard worker and a dedicated mother, Shirley was an excellent example to her children. She taught her kids good habits and strong values that would guide them through their lives. With such a large family, money was always tight, but Shirley utilized her vast talents to make sure everyone had what they needed. She had a nose for bargains and knew how to find the best deals at flea bargains and garage sales. In later years, this was a great place for her to find figurines to add to her many treasured collections, which included dogs and cats, music boxes of all shapes and sizes, and beautiful ceramic teapots. Among her collection was also a full set of Little House on the Prairie books.

Her family was of the utmost important to Shirley and she spent her life balancing hard work with being a loving mother and wife, succeeding in providing the best for her family. Shirley's most defining trait was her tremendous work ethic (to simply say she was hardworking is an understatement). Besides caring for her family, Shirley worked for the past 12 years at ServiceMaster with her daughter Susie. The two were greatly respected for their meticulous work by the businesses they maintained and through the years they received many accolades in recognition and appreciation for their work and devotion. The mother and daughter team proudly shared in their success together, but there sure wasn't a lack of a few good laughs along the way. Her daughter Susie remembers the time they got stuck in an elevator while cleaning at one business, which still brings on a bout of giggles.

The Caswell home on Allen Street was a place of pride for Shirley. Their home was located in the middle of fertile black dirt where big celery crops used to grow years ago, but is now home to several bedding plant businesses. Around the house, Shirley's talents and ingenuity seemed endless. In addition to everything else, she was a wonderful cook and treated her family to many great dinners. When it came to relaxing, which Shirley definitely earned, she enjoyed watching the Price is Right or tending to her flowers and plants outside her home, which always brought her great joy. Shirley and Gene had a wonderful marriage and became quite a team in their 52 years together. While she was the worrier, Gene had a way of keeping her grounded. Another special bond Shirley shared was with her daughter Susie, as they also worked as a team for several years.

Strong-minded, yet loving, Shirley sought no fanfare, no praise or admiration for the ways in which she served others. She quietly went about her business, helping where she saw a need, and taking pleasure in things others often take for granted. Her kindness, humility and deep commitment to her family will be remembered forever.

Shirley Ann Caswell, age 70, of Kalamazoo, died Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at Borgess Medical Center. She is survived by her husband, Eugene R. Caswell; her 6 children: Mike Caswell of Kalamazoo, Nora (Kip) Petzold of Pontiac, MI, Patricia (Ken) Leighton, Russell Caswell, Betty Jo Caswell, Susan Caswell, all of Kalamazoo; 1 sister, Betty Guess, of Kalamazoo; 4 brothers: Ernest (Janet) Guess or Galesburg, Jerry (Nancy) Guess of Plainwell, Bob (Sue) Guess of Portage, Larry (Myrtle) Guess of Otsego; step-father, Neil Cross, several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Learn more about Shirley, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Monday, March 27, from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive (West of US-131), where a service to honor her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook or in lieu of flowers, make a memorial contribution to the Diocese of Kalamazoo (Attn: Nancy Boothby), 215 N. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.