Shirley Kay Balentine's Obituary
Shirley Kay Balentine, age 84, passed away Friday evening, December 6, 2024. She was born February 11, 1940, in Frankfort, MI to Jake and Dorothy (Godfrey) Groesser. Shirley was a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked for various healthcare facilities. She also loved to sew and quilt, which inspired her to open her own store, Monograms Plus. On April 23, 1960, she married Richard Balentine in Traverse City, MI and he preceded her in death on March 25, 2018. Shirley was a member of Wolf Lake Community Church. Some of her hobbies included fishing and traveling. But more importantly, was her love of family and holidays. She cherished her family cookouts and reunions; she was the glue that kept the family together and she will be greatly missed. SURVIVORS include three daughters: Sherry (Thomas) Shatney-Miedema, Debra Ripka, Michelle “Missy” (James) Dausman; four grandchildren: Jeremy Shatney, Heather Shatney, Jaymi Dausman, Melissa “Mel” Dausman; three great-grandchildren, Karissa DeCheney, Kayven Shatney, and Piper Shatney; two brothers: Ronald (Judy) Holmes and Deryl (Christine) Holmes; sister, Marlene (Bernie) Johnson; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents and two sons-in-law: Leon Shatney and Vincent Ripka. SERVICES for Shirley will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, December 12, 2024, at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210. VISITATION with the family will be from 6-8 PM Wednesday, December 11, 2024 and also one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. MEMORIALS to The Harbor Hospice Foundation or Pound Buddies will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?
