Shirley Ann (Pattison) Sims

Shirley A.(Pattison) Sims, of Battle Creek, ascended Heavenward on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, when she died after a long illness at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was 87 spunky, spirited years young.

Shirley came into the world on November 23, 1927, in Cherokee, IA and was a 1945 Omaha High School graduate, Shirley continued her studies at Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas where she was a proud member of Delta-Delta-Delta sorority. While earning her degree in education, Fred Sims came into Shirley's young life. He soon became her husband and, after being united as one on March 27, 1948, the two enjoyed 55 years of matrimony until he passed in 2003.

Before beginning her post-secondary studies, Shirley worked for the Union Pacific Railroad Headquarters, as well as Michigan Bell. Shirley was also a bookkeeper for her father's company, Lakeview Fabric and Linen Center in Battle Creek.

Shirley was endlessly driven and known for her tireless involvement in her community and her churches. She belonged to several community organizations, including Eastern Star in Battle Creek and the Climax Active Homemakers. Shirley served for nine years as treasurer for Climax Methodist Church . She joined the membership at Cornerstone Methodist Church in 1998. A quiet philanthropist, Shirley contributed to several charities and often used her knitting talents to create items for the less fortunate.

Shirley was always engaged in serving, but was also a woman who had fun - she had many recreational passions - including bowling, golf, bridge, solving crossword puzzles, playing games on her Ipad and, in younger years, fishing at the Sims' lakeside summer home in Colon Michigan. She spent countless hours over two decades furnishing, decorating and creating miniature items for her large, elegantly appointed dollhouse.
Most of all, Shirley loved to be in the company of her family who will sadly miss her.

Shirley & Fred's legacy lives on in those who survive her; two daughters Judith (Howard) Erickson of Climax, Karen (Brian) Posick of Puyallup, WA and a son, Thomas Sims of Climax. Her grandchildren Niki Goodale, Dana Sims, Janelle Gesaman, Justin and Joshua VanMiddlesworth and Darcy Simmons survive her along with 13 Great-Grandchildren, her nephews, and a niece and many special friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Margaret (Miller) Pattison and her brother, Jack Pattison.

A celebration service of Shirley's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday April 15, 2015 at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home at 105 Capital Ave. NE in Battle Creek. Pastor Eric Perry will officiate before Shirley joins her husband in side-by-side eternal rest at Battle Creek Memorial Park. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral

Rememberences for Shirley and her family can be shared online at http://farleyestesdowdle.tributes.com/obituary/show/Shirley-Ann-Pattison-Sims-102366711
Please gift any memorial in her name to Cornerstone Free Methodist Church, 3030 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter at 165 South Union Street in Battle Creek, MI