Shirley J. Sumner

Shirley J. Sumner, 89, of Stevensville, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 3:00 PM, Friday, March 24, 2017 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Chaplin Julie Leahy officiating. Shirley will be laid to rest at Lincoln Twp. Cemetery in Stevensville at a later date. Friends may visit from 2:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation. Those wishing to sign Shirley’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Shirley was born August 18, 1927 in Benton Harbor, MI to Aaron & Hazel (Troutfetter) Branch. She was a graduate of Benton Harbor High School class of 1944. On April 6, 1946 she wed Thomas Sumner in Benton Harbor. Shirley worked at VM Corp. for many years before working as a cashier at Hilltop Foods for over 20 years. She enjoyed being involved with her church, visiting shut-ins, helping with luncheons and taking part in the quilting group. Shirley was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed working in her yard. Her true passion was her family, and this was shown by her dedication to her children and grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her daughters, Karen Burnette of Watervliet and Nancy Froberg of Bridgman; grandchildren William (Ruth) Froberg, Holly Graves (Mike Romeo), Thomas (Jenni) Kiefer and Sarah (Terry) Saffell; ten great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and special niece Jeanna White. She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Thomas on December 25, 2002, son-in-law William Froberg in 2011 and brother Richard Branch in 2016.