Shirley Doty

Shirley Doty will always be remembered for her great love for her family and friends and her commitment to her church. Shirley cherished every moment she spent with her family. From welcoming each child to cheering on their hopes and dreams, she was delighted to watch them learn and grow. Shirley never hesitated to give of her time and talents in service of others and always looked for ways to lighten people's hardships. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Shirley's bright smile and generous heart will long be remembered and so dearly missed.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression, the power of hope undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to not just endure but thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the hearts and home of Clarence and Mabel Greenwood as they welcomed their daughter Shirley to their family on August 9, 1932, in East Tawas, Michigan.

The oldest of six, Shirley grew up in an active home, and her father was a commercial fisherman. She began her education at East Tawas Elementary School and later attended Tawas High School, where she was the drum major in the high school band. She was very good at twirling her baton and was also musically talented. She sang in the choir for a time and graduated with the class of 1950.

During her high school years, Shirley worked with her mother at the local diner. This is where she met Ray Doty, who was stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force base in Oscoda near Tawas. A mutual friend set them up on a very successful blind date. Shirley and Ray dated for a while and married in 1951, officially beginning their 73-year adventure.

Soon after, their first son, Ray Jr., was born. After Ray was born, the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Ray Sr. grew up to be closer to family. They lived in a house that was the size of a garage on Grandpa Doty's property. While living here, the family continued to grow with the births of Debby, Bonnie, and Scott.

Before 1960, the family moved back to Tawas and found a small house on Smith Street. When son Patrick was born a few years later, the family was complete. While Ray worked as a truck driver and in construction, Shirley dedicated herself to staying home with the kids. In 1963, the family returned to Grand Rapids and lived on Linden Street. At times, Shirley would make the trip to Tawas to visit with her family.

A very protective and supportive mother, at times Shirley was overprotective and did not let her children get away with much. In the summertime, Shirley and her children worked at a local blueberry farm. Shirley would let Patrick sleep under a plant while she picked. The family enjoyed camping a great deal in a small family tent. Though they purchased a small trailer at one time, they only used it once.

After her children were grown, Shirley worked for a while at Sears. In time, she returned to school and became a medical assistant for many years. Always a God-fearing woman, Shirley was also very involved in her church. She and Ray took summer spiritual trips and volunteered as needed at church. Though she was still working when her grandchildren were younger, she attended as many of their special events as possible.

Without a doubt, Shirley's greatest joy was her family, and she was happiest when the entire family was able to gather for birthdays and special celebrations. Sadly, Shirley suffered a heart attack at the age of 75 that caused her health to decline significantly. When her son Scott passed away the following year, the profound loss amplified Shirley's declining health. The heartbreaking losses of her grandsons, Teddy, Jeremy, and Patrick, in the past six years intensified her decline a great deal.

As we celebrate Shirley's life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in knowing Shirley is no longer in pain and is reunited with those she loved who passed before her. May we also find comfort in carrying her legacy of love, kindness, and faith forward. In each moment we go blueberry picking, explore our faith, travel with our beloved, and gather with those we so dearly love, we keep Shirley's memory alive and inspiring us to treasure each moment we are given.

Shirley Doty, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on January 10, 2025, in the company of her beloved family. Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Scott Doty; son-in-law, Gerald Spencer; grandsons, Patrick Doty, Jeremy Doty, and Teddy Totoraitis. Shirley is survived by her husband of 73 years, Raymond Doty; her children Raymond (Mary) Doty, Deborah (Steve) Balderson, Bonnie Spencer, Patrick (Sue) Doty; twenty-six grandchildren, plus numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. A service to remember Shirley's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, as well as following the service for a time of refreshments. Memorials in Shirley's honor can be made to Community of Christ Church Northview https://northviewcofchrist.org/. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com