Shirley Dunham

Shirley Zoog Dunham, age 87, of Battle Creek died Friday, April 15, 2016. Shirley was born June 7, 1928 in Columbus, Ohio the daughter of John Ernst and Elizabeth Ann (Ruhl) Zoog. She was a 1946 graduate of North High School and attended The Ohio State University. In 1949 she married Dudley P. Dunham, Sr. Shirley worked as an Office Manager at H&R Block for over 25 years and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Dudley preceded her in death on March 1, 2014 and she was also preceded by her parents and six siblings: Richard, Betty, Norman, Sylvia, Pete and Molly. Shirley is survived by her children: Dudley (Mary Ann) Dunham, Jr. of West Dundee, IL, David L. Dunham of Austin, TX, Deborah J. Dunham of Powell, OH, Dirk R. (Penny) Dunham of Kalamazoo, DeAnne P. (Joe) Smellie of Wyandotte and Dawn E. (Alan) White of Royal Oak; thirteen grandchildren: Drew, Dana, Heather, Dirk Jr., Damon, Amy, Daphne, Trevor, Genevieve, Duncan, Audrey, Bailey, Joe; three great-grandchildren: Abigail, Ezra and Finley Ann. Throughout her life Shirley devoted herself to her family.  Even as a young girl Shirley helped care for her brothers and sisters, and her own children and grandchildren were the lucky recipients of her homemade meals, her excellent brownies, her beautiful quilts, and her quiet, loving support.  The warm and welcoming home she created hosted many wonderful holiday gatherings and also served as a calm sanctuary for visitors all year long.  She set a constant example of responsibility for her children and grandchildren through the discipline and conscientiousness that she brought to everything she did. Her practicality and patience helped projects get finished and things run smoothly. Through their 65 years of marriage, Shirley’s unwavering love and commitment to her husband Dudley created a partnership that all of her family admired and a life that they were fortunate to be a part of. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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