Shirley Stout

Caring, outgoing, and deeply devoted to the ones she loved, Shirley Stout made a significant impact in the lives of all who were within her reach. The memories she leaves behind will never be forgotten.

Although the 1920s were primarily prosperous days, the 1930s were heavily clouded with the darkness of the Great Depression. It was on January 15, 1930, that Shirley Adell was born to

Glenn and Dorothy (Blount) Young in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was the only child in her family and raised in the family home on Rogers Street, experiencing a typical childhood. Shirley was very close with her mother, and living through the Great Depression taught her to be both thrifty and resourceful. She attended Fairview School and graduated from Union High School, and as a teen she enjoyed going out with her friends. Shirley had a few jobs including working as an elevator operator at Herpolsheimer’s and then working at the public library.

New and exciting changes were in store for Shirley when she met Daniel Stout at the Methodist church that they both attended. They married and moved to Chicago, but not long after he was called to serve in the Army. While serving in Korea, Shirley’s mother lived with her for a while. When Dan returned, they settled back in the Grand Rapids area where they lived with his mother and helped care for her. Shirley and Dan eventually moved into a home on Netherfield Street in Comstock Park where they would raise their two boys, Michael and Craig.

Life in the Stout home was always a bustle of activity. Shirley hung on to nearly everything as there might be a use for it someday, yet she also kept a neat and orderly house. She was an amazing cook and baker who spent a lot of time getting everything ready for the holidays. The family attended a church in the area for a while, but they later attended Maranatha Bible Church for several years. Later in life Shirley participated in some senior events at the church.

Throughout her life Shirley maintained an active lifestyle. When their boys were young they often camped around Michigan, and Shirley loved everything about it including the campfires, hiking, and just being outdoors. She and Daniel also took a few vacations to Hawaii, Washington, D.C., and the Bahamas. Shirley was often with her mother as they enjoyed going to garage sales and antiquing as Shirley loved changing her home’s decor. She was thrilled to become a grandmother, and she loved spending time with her young grandchildren, often going to the grocery store, making forts together, or just playing. Shirley had several friends in the neighborhood, and she also enjoyed reading and watching westerns.

Shirley faced some hard times, too. In 1993 her mother died, and then her husband died just a few years later. Shirley was blessed with good health for most of her life.

Down to earth and gracious with a great sense of humor, Shirley Stout was a blessing to all who were near.

Shirley Adell Stout, age 86 of Comstock Park, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, July 21, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel, in 1997. Shirley will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her sons Michael and Craig (Kathy) Stout; grandchildren Crystal, Paul and David (Chelsie) Stout. A private graveside service was held. To read more about her life, to share a memory or sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com