Shelley Lea Cook's Obituary
Shelley Lea (Ballenger) Cook, age 93, passed away on March 31, 2025, in Muskegon, Michigan. Shelley was born to Leonard and Elsie (Ordish) Ballenger on January 10, 1932, in Saginaw, Michigan. Shelley attended Michigan State University, and during that time met her beloved husband, Bud. Shelley and Bud married on September 6, 1952, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and spent 55 years together before Bud preceded her in death in 2007. Shelley spent much of her career working in the claims department at Travelers Insurance Company where she retired from after 25 years with the company. Shelley was deeply devoted to her Episcopal faith and attended Grace Episcopal Church of Grand Rapids for many years. Shelley enjoyed gardening, knitting, playing bridge, and watching Downton Abbey. Thanks to Bud, a University of Michigan alumnus, Shelley switched allegiances and became a die-hard Wolverines fan.
Shelley will be missed by her children, Kevin (Deborah) Cook of Grand Rapids, Mary (Keith) Prins of Grand Rapids, and Chris (Jim) Beegle of Muskegon; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Ballenger of Rockford; and a few special friends. Shelley was also preceded in death by her brothers, Robert “Bob” Ballenger and Steve Ballenger.
A Celebration of Shelley’s Life will be held at a later date. Per Shelley’s wishes, her cremated remains will be laid to rest in the columbarium at Grace Episcopal Church along with her husband Bud. Arrangements for Shelley have been entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, Michigan 49442 (231) 726-5210. Share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com.
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