Shirley Esterley Obituary (1926 - 2014)

Shirley J. Esterley, age 88, of Greenville, passed away Monday morning, December 29, 2014 at her home under the loving care of her family and Hospice. The daughter of William & Johanna (Bowman) VanDyke, she was born on September 21, 1926 in Grand Rapids. On April 9, 1946, she married Lester B. Esterley and together they raised eight children and enjoyed 48 years of marriage until Lester passed away on November 21, 1994. Shirley had been a Foster Grandparent and also volunteered with the Area Six Special Olympics (Ionia-Montcalm), as well as enjoying bowling, bingo, playing cards and board games, and crocheting. Survving are her children, JoLynn Nolf & Cecil Coral of Sheridan, Joycelyn & Jim Sharp of Greenville, Janalyn Spicer of Howard City, Alan Esterley of Jenison, Jeralyn & Rex Steele of Freemont, Kevan & Cal Esterley of Howard City, Dave Esterley of Greenville, and Jaclynn & Duane Croad of Gowen; twenty-eight grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren; and twenty-one great-great grandchildren; as well as many other relatives and friends. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Jesus Non-Denominational Church, 9206 Peck Road, Greenville, with a luncheon following. The Rev. Tommy D. Turner, Jr. will officiate and burial will take place in the spring at Spencer Mills Cemetery.