Shirley Medley

Shirley Ann Medley, 82, passed away on January 24, 2017,  at her home on Lake Margrethe.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Clarence (Bert); and her three children, Robert Medley, Regina (Matthew) Howell and Ronald (Christina) Medley.  She is also survived by nine grandchildren; Patrick Medley, Kaitlin, Samantha, Mackenzie and Jack Howell; and Aireona, Brady, Angelica and Parker Medley. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Rose Boehringer. 

Born on November 27, 1934, to Edward and Rose Boehringer in Toledo, Ohio, Shirley spent her youth and young adult years in Toledo.  After graduating from DeVilbiss High School,  Shirley attended the University of Toledo, receiving a Bachelors of Education Degree on June 9, 1956, with an Art and English Major. While completing her degree at the University of Toledo, Shirley was the president of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and also served as co-editor of the 1955 Blockhouse yearbook.  

The most significant event of Shirley’s college years occurred at the University of Toledo bookstore.  While waiting in line to buy books her Junior year,  Shirley met her future husband, Bert.   Married on December 18, 1955, Bert and Shirley shared over 61 beautiful years together.

Shirley’s early career years were spent teaching Art and English at Whitaker Junior High School in Toledo for three years, then at Rossford High School for ten years.  After Shirley’s second child was born, Shirley left the teaching world to focus on her young and growing family. 

Shirley and Bert first discovered Grayling while vacationing on Lake Margrethe.  They instantly developed a great affection for the area.   Occasional vacation weekends turned into every weekend and summers at the lake.  In January, 1976, the family became permanent residents on Lake Margrethe.   

Shirley loved the Grayling community, becoming a long-time member of the Michelson Memorial Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years.  Shirley also became an active participant of the Crawford Ausable School system, with the family’s three children, Rob, Gina and Ron graduating from Grayling High School in 1984, 1985 and 1988 respectively.  

In her leisure time, Shirley loved to paint and make creations with everything from rocks and driftwood to barn wood and beads.  Her artwork can be found at many places throughout the community where lives were touched by her.   Shirley also loved flowers and gardening.

Shirley will be most remembered by her love for her family, her amazing artistic ability and her enjoyment of all things that grow in the garden.  Summers were cherished by Shirley surrounded by her children and grandchildren,  enjoying the lake and Shirley’s delicious garden creations.  

In remembrance of Shirley, donations may be made to The American Red Cross of Michigan, Northern Michigan Chapter, 104 Coles Drive, Suite E, Marquette, MI  49855.   Shirley can also be remembered by everyone doing their part to preserve and enhance the beauty of Lake Margrethe, the place she was so very fond of.

As  the foundation of her family, Shirley lived life to its fullest and always exhibited tremendous strength.  She will be so dearly missed.  A celebration of life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 15th at the Michelson Memorial Methodist Church in Grayling.