Shirley Arntz

Shirley Arntz was a woman of faith with an incredible zest for life who viewed each day as a gift, holding both her faith and her family dear. She was a hard working woman who was passionate about the things she believed in. Whether she was pitching a softball, keeping track of the books at her job, or preparing a chicken dinner for her family, Shirley did it all with grace, compassion, and accuracy.

The 1930’s were a difficult period in our nation’s history as we were held tightly in the grip of the Great Depression. As a result, American families drew together, gaining strength and joy from each other in whatever ways they could. Herman and Jeanette (Weeber) Hoogerhyde, of Grand Rapids, Michigan were able to shift their focus to a more exciting time within their own family, however; as Jeanette was due to give birth to their baby at any time. They were indeed blessed on May 2, 1933 with the birth of their healthy daughter, Shirley. As one of four children in her family, Shirley established a strong foundation of faith during her younger years. As a student, she attended Christian schools and was a graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School.

Education was important to Shirley and after graduating from high school, she took a course in bookkeeping, which led to her career. She found employment at Applied Arts and then spent many years working for Walker Tool and Die where it was said that the company simply would not have been as productive without Shirley keeping track of the books. Her job at Applied Arts would bring Shirley much more than a paycheck, however, as it also paved the way for an introduction to a man that would forever change the course of Shirley’s life. His name was Bruce Arntz and he was the brother of Shirley’s coworker Ruth, who set Shirley and Bruce up together. It was love at first sight and a romance soon ensued. A new chapter in their lives began on July 21, 1961 when they were united in marriage.

After a honeymoon in Niagara Falls, the newlyweds lived on Gratiot St. for a few years before they purchased a house on Northrup, which would be the place that Shirley and Bruce would call home for their entire married life. They were blessed to raise two children, Patricia and Brian who would greatly enrich their hearts and lives. Shirley embraced her role as a mother and was always there for her children. She unconditionally loved each of her children in their own special way, but she was also firm when needed, training her children into the adults they would one day become. As a mother, Shirley was independent, fair, and down to earth, and she also provided her children with the structure that children often crave.

Shirley was a very organized woman who kept a tight schedule. Shirley got her children off to school in the mornings, then would set off to her job at Walker Tool and Die, would stop home for lunch, finish out her work day, and then have dinner ready for her family in the evening. At night when she had time to herself, she would sit on the floor reading the paper and cutting out coupons. Saturdays were Shirley’s day to get the household tasks done, and in a methodical fashion too. She kept careful track of her household finances and was frugal, although not stingy, often arguing with her sisters about who would pay for things, as they each wanted to.

When she had some time to herself, Shirley pursued some things that were of interest to her. She was a bundle of energy and enjoyed being active. In her younger years, she enjoyed tennis, golf, and even pitched a fast underhanded pitch for her church softball team. Shirley enjoyed gardening, growing vegetables, most notably tomatoes. So many tomatoes in fact, that she could hardly give them away as fast as they grew! Shirley enjoyed cooking and prepared scrumptious traditional comfort foods and was famous for her chicken dinners. She enjoyed being active and being out, but when was at home you could almost always find her reading the paper or a book. Shirley was an active member at Remembrance Reformed Church where she was involved for many years not only in softball, but the choir and various guilds as well. When grandchildren arrived on the scene, Shirley delighted in them, finding joy and contentment in just being in their presence.

After retirement, Shirley and Bruce became “snowbirds” when they left the cold and snow of Michigan behind and traded it in for the sunshine of West Palm Beach, Florida for three months during the winter. They also enjoyed traveling together, taking a few cruises and visiting both Hawaii and Alaska as well. With more time on her hands, Shirley was able to spend more time with her Aunt Agnes, with whom she always had a special bond. She treasured phone calls from her children, looking forward to just getting caught up on what was happening in their lives.

Shirley was a woman with many facets to her intriguing personality. By nature she was a quiet person, often just taking in the conversations of those around her, but she could talk without ceasing about subjects that were of interest to her. Unfortunately, over the past ten years, Shirley had struggled with Parkinson’s disease, and as her disease progressed over the years, it became frustrating to Shirley that her body couldn’t follow where her mind would lead it. It was difficult for her to give up activities that she once enjoyed, no matter how simple.

Shirley Arntz was a woman whose life was built upon the cornerstone of her faith, but more than that, she lived her life in harmony with her beliefs. Her life was an example to others of what a woman of faith looked like. She viewed her family as her greatest accomplishment and provided them with memories which they will forever cherish. Shirley was a beloved sister, niece, wife, mother, and grandmother who will be deeply missed.

Shirley M. Arntz of Grand Rapids, MI, died on January 1, 2009. Shirley’s family includes her husband, Bruce; their children Patricia Eisen, Brian (Marilee) Arntz; grandchildren Aaron, Jason, Joel, Ryan, Tamara; her aunt, Agnes Weeber; sister, Jean Dryer; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. A funeral service for Shirley will be held on Monday, January 5 at 11 a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Van’t Hof Chapel - Grand Rapids, MI, 851 Leonard NW where relatives and friends may visit with her family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the Salvation Army.