Shirley Ann (Smith) Wiederhold

Shirley Ann (Smith) Wiederhold of Battle Creek, MI


Shirley, age 86, of Battle Creek, MI, died Monday morning, December 14, 2015 at her home and surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley, the daughter of George and Anna (Koer) Smith, was born in Alliance, Nebraska and moved to this area shortly after her birth. She was a 1946 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Shirley was employed at Post Cereals, where she met her future husband, Robert. She also worked at TransAmerica Insurance, Post Elementary School as a teacher's aide, and retired from the Battle Creek Public School District in 1996 from the Food Service Department. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Battle Creek. Volunteerism of all kinds was a major influence throughout her entire life. Her volunteer efforts included Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President, Annual March of Dimes Fundraising Campaign Participant, Campfire Leader, City Recreational Sports Coach, Swimming Boosters, Vacation Bible School Helper, and assisting with many other community fundraising events. She, alongside her husband, established and produced the annual Southeastern Junior High Band Follies. Her passion for working with youth also led her to volunteer in her oldest daughter's special education classroom. Shirley enjoyed traveling, but the passion of her life was being a part of her grandchildren's activities including school and sporting events. Many happy memories were made by spending time with her family at their Wall Lake cottage. Shirley was known for her quick wit and astonishing memory.

Shirley was united in marriage to Robert L. Wiederhold in Battle Creek on June 2, 1956 and he sadly preceded her in death on January 14, 1983. Surviving are two daughters, Susan M. Root of Springfield and Kathy A. (Douglas) Mann of Battle Creek; two sons, James M. (Vicki) Wiederhold of Battle Creek and J. Gary (Renee') Wiederhold of Plainwell, MI; and by her seven grandchildren, Kimberly Wiederhold, Jeremy Mann, Jennifer Root, Lindsay Wiederhold, Rebecca Mann, Jeffrey Mann and Danielle Root. Shirley was also preceded in death by her parents; half-sister, Loretta Smith; and an infant brother, John Smith.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held on Saturday, December 19th at 11:00 a.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek with Rev. David L. Morton, officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek. Visitation will be on Friday, December 18th for friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley's honor may be directed to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, Spay and Neuter Program, 2500 Watkins Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015.