Shirley Hill

Shirley Hill was, by all accounts, the embodiment of warmth, generosity, and spirited liveliness. She had a way of making everyone feel valued and loved, whether offering a comforting smile, a gentle hand on a shoulder, or a playful quip that cut tension in an instant. Her family describes her as nurturing and unflinchingly devoted, a woman who stood up for those around her with unwavering loyalty. She carried laughter wherever she went, intertwining compassion and humor in equal measure.

In 1932, the United States found itself grappling with the Great Depression, but communities held on to hope with acts of kindness and the upbeat strains of big-band music. Against this backdrop of perseverance, Shirley was born on January 28 in northwest Grand Rapids, Michigan, the only child of Edward and Sara Van Portfliet. Though times were hard, her parents instilled in her the values of compassion, diligence, and delight in simple pleasures—traits she would carry throughout her life.

Growing up in a trailer park on the corner of 4 Mile and Plainfield, Shirley was an amiable child whose kindness drew friends to her side. She attended Creston School, where she discovered her love for dance, cheerleading, and fashion modeling—much to the delight of her peers, who were captivated by her natural grace. Graduating in 1949, she emerged as a confident, spirited young woman, eager to see beyond the borders of her hometown.

In 1951, Shirley married Andrew Voss, an Army serviceman, and their first stop was Texas. She adapted to military life with resilience, building friendships while Andrew was stationed in Germany. When Shirley returned to Michigan for the birth of their first daughter, Sandee, she also worked briefly at a local dairy farm, learning the merits of hard work in the bustling environment. Once Andrew’s service abroad concluded, the family reunited in Grand Rapids on Ferris Street, welcoming a second daughter, Cyndy, soon after.

A few years later, Shirley gave birth to their third daughter, Melissa, whose asthma prompted a move to Costa Mesa, California, in search of a drier climate. This coastal life suited Shirley’s adventurous spirit. She and Andrew brought her parents along for the journey, and together they savored the sun-drenched beaches, boat outings, and frequent barbecues that brought people together. Determined to support her family, Shirley tackled diverse jobs such as upholstering furniture, ironing clothes, working in a bikini shop, and even sewing garments—from everyday attire to wedding dresses. Demonstrating a remarkable seamstress’s skill, she stitched a handsome suit for Andrew and customized exquisite wedding gowns for her children.

After the birth of their son, Andrew, the family eventually felt pulled back to Grand Rapids around 1970, compelled by the declining health of Andrew’s parents. Shirley continued to supplement the household income with part-time sewing, stints in department stores, and even work in factories making American flags and electrical components for airplanes. In her leisure time, she embraced square dancing with Andrew, swirling around the dance floor with a radiant energy. Their life together was full and active until Andrew’s retirement, shortly followed by his passing in 1998.

Though heartbroken, Shirley persevered. She remained in the family home, caring for her mother, who had moved in during her own declining years. For a time, Shirley worked at a local bank, but ultimately left to provide full-time care for her mother. Even in grief, she stayed resolute in her devotion to family.

Amid this challenging period, a longtime friend and former classmate, Donald Hill, entered Shirley’s life more closely, having attended Andrew’s funeral. They began meeting for coffee, and before long, their companionship blossomed into a love that brought new light into Shirley’s days. They married on January 21, 2000, and settled on Mark Street in Grand Rapids. Shirley soon became a mother figure for Don’s daughter, Sandy, further expanding the circle of people who admired her genuine warmth. Don and Shirley traveled together—visiting Germany and Austria—and indulged his passion for collecting military memorabilia. Both of them enjoyed dancing and dinner dates at different restaurants, with Thursday senior dances at the Casino Club in Grand Rapids ranking among their favorite outings. It was there they befriended Pat and Karrel, who would remain steadfast companions even after Don’s passing in 2016. Pat was a life saver to Shirley's family when her health began to decline and Pat was able to provide care to her in her home. Pat was a constant companion and support taking Shirley shopping, to appointments and simply helping around the house.

Despite another deep loss, Shirley forged ahead with her indomitable spirit, continuing to dance at the Casino Club with Pat and Karrel whenever she could. In September 2020, she moved to Tennessee to live with her son Andrew and daughter-in-law Trish. Shirley embraced her new surroundings, delighting in local restaurants, her son’s dogs, and surprising her doctor with a spontaneous dance when the mood struck. Even at this stage of her life, she embodied a zest for living that left those around her thoroughly inspired.

Not one to stay in one place for long, Shirley decided to move again in January 2022, this time to St. Louis with her daughter Melissa. At age ninety, she graced her daughter’s bar with her vivacious presence, happily chatting with patrons and forging a friendship with Melissa’s mother-in-law. An energetic dancer at heart, Shirley never missed a chance to whirl across the floor, bringing laughter and encouragement to all who joined her. She pampered herself with manicures and pedicures, maintaining a youthful spirit and sense of fun that few her age could match.

In October 2022, Shirley returned once more to Grand Rapids, settling into Vista Springs Assisted Living. There, she remained a beacon of positivity, pouring enthusiasm into games of bingo and short group outings. She formed a close bond with a fellow resident named Joann, and together they became known as “Trouble One” and “Trouble Two” for their playful mischief and ability to keep everyone else on their toes. This final chapter of Shirley’s life was a testament to how one can bring levity and warmth to every interaction, no matter the location or circumstance.

Two weeks before she passed, Shirley began a quiet decline, eventually leaving this world on March 2, 2025, with her family steadfastly by her side. Through every hardship, she remained tender, hopeful, and ready to stand up for anyone who needed her strength.

In her passing, Shirley leaves behind a wide circle of adoring children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends who will forever remember her lively spirit. Those who celebrate her memory might recall her devotion to dancing and her eagerness to explore all life had to offer. Whether sewing a one-of-a-kind garment, sharing a joke, or stepping onto a dance floor, Shirley infused every moment with affection and exuberance. May the sight of an open dance floor or the thrill of an impromptu adventure remind us of her boundless, loving heart and inspire us to greet life with a smile and a steadfast willingness to keep moving forward.

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Shirley A. (Voss) Hill, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on March 2, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Shirley was preceded in death by her husbands, Andrew Voss and Donald Hill, and her sons-in-law, Eugene Westfield and Daniel Tomko. Shirley is survived by her children, Sandee (John) Sicard, Cyndy Westfield-Tomko, Melissa (Dawn) Voss-Hummel, and Andrew (Trish) Voss; her grandchildren, Eddie (Shelia) Westfield, Jocelyn (Anthony) Jakabowski, Stephanie Sicard, Michael (Dani) Beamesderfer, Kyle (Chelsi) Beamesderfer, Dusti (Christopher) Nalley, Brandi Voss, Sydni Voss and Bayli (Cameron) Coplan; her great-grandchildren, Jaxson and Ava Beamesderfer, and Onyx Sand. A service to remember Shirley’s life will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NW, at 1 o'clock PM. Friends and family may visit from 11 to 1 on the day of the funeral at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the American Alzheimer's Association. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com