Shirley Jacobson, a loving and spirited woman born on September 11, 1952, in Monroe, Michigan, peacefully passed away at the age of 72 on February 8th, in Evart, Michigan. Her departure marks a significant loss for her family and friends, who remember her for her unwavering love, straightforward nature, and boundless generosity. As we reflect on her life, this obituary serves as a tribute to Shirley’s enduring legacy, especially for those seeking remembrance through Big Rapids Pioneer Obits.
Shirley was the cherished daughter of the late Jesse and Jane Hyden, and a beloved sister to her predeceased brothers, Phillip Hyden Sr. and Roger Hyden. Her close-knit family formed the bedrock of her life, marked by a deep connection with her father, a special bond with her mother, and an unwavering affection for her brothers. Shirley faced earlier losses with the passing of her late husband, Howard Vallade, and late partner, Edward Charlie Beers.
She is survived by her loving companion, Tim, who stood by her side until the end. Shirley’s legacy continues through her daughter, Janie Durban, and son, Charlie Edward Beers. Her family tree further blossomed with grandchildren: Dana Webb, Daniel Durban, Jessica Dalton (from Janie), and Caitlin Elizabeth Beers (from Charlie), and great-grandchildren: Zander, Bentley, Joshua, Ziggy (from Dana), Koda (from Daniel), and Trenton (from Caitlin). Each member carries a piece of Shirley’s spirit forward.
A 1970 graduate of Monroe High School, Shirley dedicated her working years to serving her community in Evart. She was a familiar face at several local establishments, including the Evart Corner Store, Flach’s, Clay’s, Evart Products, and Mark IV. Beyond her work, Shirley’s true passion lay in sewing. Her handcrafted dish towels and pot holders were tokens of love, gifted to countless family members and friends. For Shirley, heaven is undoubtedly a place filled with endless fabrics and sewing machines.
Known for her honest and direct communication, Shirley always spoke her mind with clarity and conviction. There was never any ambiguity about where you stood with her. This straightforwardness was balanced by her wit and warmth, allowing her to keep loved ones in line while simultaneously charming them with her personality. She possessed a unique ability to be both a strong matriarch and a comforting presence.
Shirley also had a playful and spirited side. She fondly reminisced about her red 1973 Cuda, a symbol of her youthful exuberance. Her humor was often spontaneous and effective. A memorable anecdote involves her granddaughter, Dana, whom she startled out of a hiccup fit by playfully pretending to have a heart attack – a testament to her quick thinking and loving nature.
Embodying the spirit of a true matriarch, Shirley maintained an open door policy, always ready to assist anyone in need. Even when resources were scarce, she found ways to help others, demonstrating remarkable generosity. She constantly encouraged her loved ones to aim higher and strive for a better future, reflecting her boundless strength, perseverance, and wisdom. Her resilience was further highlighted by her victory as a cancer survivor.
An ardent animal lover, Shirley found immense joy and companionship in her dogs, Abigale and Sassy. They were a constant source of comfort, especially during hospital stays, serving as her motivation to recover and return home. Her affection extended beyond dogs; she once cared for two pet monkeys, Mike and Jan, adorning them in doll clothes. Even recently, she expressed a desire to care for another monkey, showcasing her lifelong love for animals. It’s comforting to imagine all of Shirley’s past pets eagerly greeting her at heaven’s gates.
In her leisure time, Shirley cherished looking through photo albums, reliving precious memories. She was incredibly proud of her son, Charlie, and enthusiastically shared his accomplishments. Maintaining close relationships was paramount to Shirley. She nurtured a special bond with her daughter, Janie, and made it a point to connect with her children and grandchildren by phone frequently. Despite the distance, she spoke with her granddaughters Jessica and Daniel, who lived in Florida, almost daily, finding immense joy in their voices. Shirley proved that distance was no barrier to her love and dedication to family.
Her beloved companion and best friend, Tim, will deeply feel her absence. Together, they shared a passion for cooking, creating delicious meals for family and friends, ensuring everyone was well-fed and cared for. Tim’s devotion was evident in his unwavering care for Shirley, attending to her needs daily and remaining by her side until her final moments.
Shirley’s legacy of love, devotion to family, and compassion for animals will forever resonate in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. She was the glue, the backbone, and the heart of her family. The void left by her passing is immense, yet it is filled with the love she generously bestowed upon everyone. Shirley will continue to live on through the lives she shaped. Until we meet again, we love you, Shirl.
A memorial service celebrating Shirley’s life was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Evart on February 15th, 2025, at 12pm (Noon). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Osceola County Animal Shelter (231-832-5790), honoring her love for animals. Condolences can be shared online via the Tribute Wall tab on Shirley’s page at www.coreyfuneralhome.com, a source often associated with Big Rapids Pioneer obits for local residents.
