Shirley Thompson's Obituary
Proverbs 31 speaks of the characteristics of a virtuous woman, how she is supportive of her husband, a loving and caring provider for her family, and one who is tremendously faithful to her Lord and Savior. Shirley Thompson believed in these words and the face of God shone brightly on her face and in her actions.
Shirley Mae Thompson aged 82 of Scottville, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at her home. Shirley was born on May 19, 1932, the daughter of Harry E. and Lydia (Schimke) Feldhak of Onekama, and graduated from Onekama High School with the class of 1950. In school she was very active, participating in cheerleading squad and other activities, one of which involved competing in a state competition baking cherry pies. She won that competition - in spite of the fact that she did not like cherry pie! Following her graduation, she worked for a time as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell in Manistee. On August 15, 1953, she married Charles Thompson, a young man from the Freesoil area, at the Lutheran Church in Onekama, and they began a wonderful journey together. They became the parents of two boys William and Dennis, and eventually moved to Scottville where Charles owned men’s clothing stores with his partner Ray Schulte in Scottville and Reed City.
Shirley worked as the Secretary for Ed Malkowski at Mason County Central Middle School, a position she would hold for 28 years, and served as a Cub Scout leader for her boys. As a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, she also volunteered teaching during Vacation Bible School for many summers. As Charlie was a businessman in Scottville and involved in many civic organizations, Shirley was always by his side supporting him in his activities. She loved to play cards and rarely missed playing with her bridge club, and enjoyed searching for rare finds at yard sales. One man’s junk is another’s treasure was her motto. After retiring from the Middle School, she and Charles looked forward to spending winters in Haines City, Florida with many of their friends from Scottville. Charles preceded her in death in 1997 after celebrating 44 blessed years together. Shirley was also preceded in death by her parents and her sister Lois Baker.
Shirley will be greatly missed by her sons William “Bill” Thompson of Scottville, and Dennis and Wendy Thompson of Ludington, her grandchildren Kendall R. Thompson of Scottville, Charles Thompson and his fiancée Mattea Bissell of Ludington, Jason Thompson currently studying law at the Penn University in Philadelphia, Rachael Hansen, and Joshua Thompson both of Ludington, her great-grandson Daniel Horsley, her brother-in-law Robert Baker, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Funeral services will be held for Shirley at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 20 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville, with Rev. James Schroeder officiating. Burial will take place at Brookside Cemetery at a later date. Friends may meet with her family for a time of visitation on Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville, and on Saturday from 12:00 noon until time of services at the church. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Hospice of Michigan – Mason County.
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