Shirley M. Higgins, age 78, of Comstock Park, formerly of Ada, passed away Friday morning, December 18, 2015 at her home under the loving care of her family and Spectrum Health Hospice.  The daughter of John E. & Marie Karen (Everts) Wood, she was born on November 12, 1937 in Greenville and was a graduate of Greenville High School. 

Shirley had worked as a secretary at Rhode's Realty in Traverse City and was a district manager for Avon.  On September 4, 1981, in Ada, he married Richard T. Higgins and together they enjoyed over 34 years of marriage.  Shirley was a member of the Rockford Chapter No. 215 of the Order of the Eastern Stars, as well as a number of Shrine Clubs throughout the Saladin Shrine Temple jurisdiction where her husband served as Potentate in 1992, and she as his First Lady.  She and Dick enjoyed traveling, especially their trips to Finland and China, as well as several cruises and visits to a number of the Shriner's Hospitals for Children across North America.  She delighted in time spent with her family, herTuesday card group, and trips to the casino, as well as volunteering her time with Shrine functions and at the annual Shrine Circus.  Shirley also enjoyed crocheting… making afghans for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents;  an infant son, Thomas Steikar;  a sister, Nancy Wood;  and a brother, Ronald James Wood.  Surviving are her husband, Richard "Dick" Higgins of Comstock park;  her children, Deb Steikar of Wyoming, William Skeikar of Tuscon, Arizona, and Michael & Shelly Steikar of Muskegon;  her step-children, Halle Warmington, Jennifer & Rodney Lundey, and David Higgins, all of Grand Haven;  six grandchildren;  a sister, Betty J. Wood of Kentwood;  a brother, John & Leslie Anne Wood of Greenville;  and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation with the family is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 3627 Linden Avenue S.E. at 36th Street, Grand Rapids (one block west of Eastern Avenue), where memorial services will be held at12:00 Noon on Monday.  Chaplain Robert Bos of Spectrum Health Hospice will officiate and burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery will take place at a late date. 

Shirley would have appreciated contributions in her memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children-Chicago (http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Locations/chicago).  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Shirley's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com