On the 20th of December 2023, we said our final goodbyes to a loving and generous soul, Shirley Rae Kerlikowske, born on February 6, 1935, in Evansville, IN. Shirley’s passion for physical education and biology was matched only by her love for her family and the great outdoors.
Shirley was an inspiring figure who made Stevensville, Michigan her home, and it was the community that benefitted immensely from her thoughtful presence. A dedicated sports enthusiast, she devoted her spare time to softball, golf, and cheering for Michigan collegiate football and basketball. Shirley was also an avid outdoorsman, finding joy in hiking, backpacking, and whitewater rafting. Her love for nature extended to her backyard, which she transformed into a personal nature center, and she generously gave back to her community by volunteering at Sarett Nature Center. As the American naturalist John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks,” and Shirley embodied this sentiment in every aspect of her life.
Shirley served on the boards of several organizations, including the YMCA, St. Joseph, and Sarett Nature Center, Benton Township. She also served on the board of the village of Stevensville and various committees, further testament to her generous spirit. Shirley is survived by her loving children, Brad (Stephanie) Kerlikowske, Elizabeth (Tom) Kerlikowske, and Beverly (Dennis) and a host of grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Marjorie Orth, her husband Charles “Bud” Kerlikowske, and her son Scott Kerlikowske. A special note of thanks goes to Alison Dudeck, for the care given to her grandparents.
As we remember Shirley, let us celebrate her life and the many ways she touched ours. She was a beacon of inspiration, a fountain of love, and a model of generosity. Her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Posted On: Tuesday, December 26, 2023 1:35 PM
