Esther A. Shirley, nee Wickert, age 85, of West Bend, passed away Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at SynergyHealth St. Joseph's Hospital.
She was born on August 24, 1921 on the homestead farm on Little Cedar Lake to the late Frank and Ida (nee Hetzel) Wickert, and was united in marriage to Aubrey "Bammie" Shirley on December 4, 1948 at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend.
Esther worked in housekeeping at West Bend Mutual Insurance Company for many years until retiring in 1987. She was an active member of Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend, serving on the Altar Guild, Ladies Guild, and as a Sunday school teacher. She was active with the meals on wheels program. Esther enjoyed playing cards, making different craft items for her family, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Esther is survived by her four loving children, Frederick (Janean) Shirley of Vicksburg, MS, Pearl Houts of Pell Lake, Brad (Laurie) Shirley of Kewaskum, and Gregory Shirley of Milwaukee; seven grandchildren, Amanda, and Jill Shirley, Elizabeth Grant, Thom Jr., Tony, Timmy Houts, and Austin Baye Shirley; two great-grandchildren, Zachary and Christian Grant; a sister-in-law, Juanita Shirles of Shefield, AL; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband "Bammie" in 1989, an infant daughter, five sisters and one brother.
Funeral services to remember Esther will be held on Friday, August 10th at 2:00 pm at Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church (462 Meadowbrook Dr.), West Bend. Rev. Joseph Fisher will officiate and burial will follow in Washington County Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Friday at the church only from 11:00 am until the time of service.
Memorials to Pilgrim Church or the Alice and Elmore Kraemer Cancer Center are appreciated.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mosley, Dr. Soneson, Dr. Arshad, and their staff for the loving care extended to Esther.