Shirley Nauta

Shirley Nauta was a happy and cheerful person, who always had a big smile on her face. Warm and affectionate, she was famous for planting a big kiss right on the lips of her friends. Shirley was incredibly generous with her time, and was always there with a helping hand and her beautiful smile for whichever cause needed her. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Shirley will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Shirley Jean was born on August 9, 1932, the daughter of William Eiteneir and Minnie Freeman. Since William walked out on the family when Shirley was still very young, the only father Shirley knew was Harold Backing, her mother’s second husband. Shirley grew up on the family farm in Ludington, Michigan, with her two sisters, Aliece and Donna. She was a true country girl, whose hobbies included fishing and catching frogs. Shirley also helped out around the farm, doing chores and milking the cows.

Sadly, when Shirley was only 14 years old, she was taken advantage of by an older man and became pregnant. She was sent away to live at a Salvation Army home, and her daughter, born the following year, was put up for adoption. After the birth, Shirley returned home to her family, but soon moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where she lived with her sister, Aliece, and her sister’s husband.

While Shirley was living in Muskegon, she made the acquaintance of a young man named William (Bill) Nauta. Bill worked at Motor Service & Supply, right down the street from Shirley’s apartment, and he would whistle at Shirley whenever she walked by. Bill’s enthusiastic whistling eventually produced results, and Shirley agreed to go on a date with him. Shirley and Bill started dating, and soon realized they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

Just as Shirley and Bill were falling in love, however, America was becoming embroiled in the Korean Conflict. Bill was drafted into the Air Force, and was stationed in Texas as an airplane mechanic. Shirley moved to Texas to stay close to Bill, and the happy couple was married by a Justice of the Peace on October 13, 1951. They spent their first four years of married in life in Texas, where Shirley found a job in a jewelry store.

After Bill was honorably discharged from the Air Force, they returned to Muskegon, and Bill went back to his old job at Motor Service. In the years to come, Shirley and Bill were blessed with two children, whom they named Greg and Julie. Shirley was a wonderful mother, and supported her children in all of their activities. She belonged to the McLaughlin School PTA, and was an active volunteer. At home, Shirley made sure that her family always came home to a delicious meal. Shirley and her family belonged to Olivet Evangelical Free Church, where Shirley taught Sunday school and participated in the women’s circle. Although Shirley was a stay-at-home mom, she also made time to sell Tupperware in the evenings to friends and neighbors.

In their free time, Shirley and Bill loved to take the kids camping. Over the years, they graduated from a series of trailers to a Winnebago motorhome. Their usual destinations were campgrounds in western Michigan – in fact, Bill and Shirley were the first paying guests at Poncho’s Pond Campground! During summer vacations, the family ventured farther afield, taking trips to Canada, New York, and Washington D.C.

In addition to caring for her own family, Shirley was very active in the community. She belonged to the Women’s Club, and was voted Mother of the Year in 1975. She also donated her time to the Crime Prevention Bureau and the Big Red Band Parents. When she had a moment to herself, Shirley enjoyed checking out garage sales, especially for Strawberry-themed items. She liked everything Strawberry – plates, figurines, towels – but Bill put his foot down when Shirley wanted to get Strawberry sheets for their bed. She also enjoyed going out with the “Ruby's,” a good group of friends that got together annually for a girl’s weekend at a cottage on Ruby Creek.

After the kids got older, Shirley became a secretary at Ottawa Electric, where she was a loyal employee for over twenty years. She loved spending time with her grandkids as they came along, and Shirley and Bill spent many happy weekends camping with the grandchildren.

Shirley’s beloved companion Bill passed away in 1997, after suffering a heart attack. Although this was a difficult time for Shirley, she found great comfort in the support of her family and friends. She eventually became a member of the CARE group at Clock Funeral Homes, where she helped other widows through their own tough times. She continued to live on her own, driving the Winnebago (towing a car behind) to Florida every winter until she was 75.

In 1970, Shirley had been reunited with the daughter she gave up for adoption, Beverly Timpy. They wrote and met in person over the years, but Shirley kept their relationship secret until four years ago. At this time, Shirley introduced Beverly to her children and grandchildren, and they welcomed her with open arms. Bev has become a wonderful and welcome addition to the family during Shirley’s final years.

A few years ago, Shirley started showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease. With the support of others, Shirley was able to remain in her own home until earlier this year, when she moved into Dayspring Assisted Living. Shirley enjoyed living at Dayspring, and a new friendship with Miles Sprague brightened her days.

Cheerful, generous, and kind-hearted, Shirley was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Shirley Jean Nauta died on October 27, 2012, at the age of 80. Shirley’s family includes her son, Greg (Judy) Nauta of Muskegon; her daughters, Julie (Bruce) Herrick of N. Muskegon, and Beverly Timpy of Barryton; her grandchildren, Alyssa Nauta, Adam Nauta, and Joshua Herrick; her sister-in-law, Barbara (Richard) Ott; several nieces & nephews; and her special friend, Miles Sprague. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Bill, in 1997; and her sisters, Aliece Turgeon and Donna D'Alessandro.

A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, at the Clock Chapel – Muskegon, with Dale Clock as Celebrant. Interment will be at Grant Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, and one hour prior to the service on Thursday, at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army. Please visit Shirley’s personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you can learn more about her life, share favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.