Madeline Shurte

Madeline's life began on March 21, 1914 in Dowagiac, the daughter of George Albert and Caroline Teresa (Gebhard) Kelly. She was a 1931 graduate of Dowagiac Central High School, Cass County Normal and attended Western State Teachers College. Madeline worked for 18 years at the Dowagiac Daily News. Madeline was united in marriage to Victor W. Phillips in Dowagiac on November 24, 1933 at the Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on June 5, 1971. Madeline was also united in marriage to Charles A. Shurte on February 23, 1976, who preceded her in death on September 30, 1979. She was a faithful member of Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church and its Rosary Guild. She was an also a former member of the Dowagiac Antlerettes. Madeline was an avid reader, enjoyed travelling, especially to the cabin up north. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed watching birds and loved beautiful flowers. Madeline loved her extended family and was thrilled about everything they did. Her loving family includes her daughter in law Betty Phillips, sister Anna Mary Stolley, sisters in law Lorraine Kelly, and Shirley Phillips, grandchildren David Phillips, William (Judy) Phillips, Bruce “William” (Lori) Phillips, Julie (Walter) Davis, Todd (Janine) Phillips, and Lisa Atkins, 12 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and her “special gals” Susan Keiffer and Mary Kate Serginese. Madeline passed away on Sunday February 13, 2011 at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital. She is preceded in death by her husbands, children Bruce Phillips, Carolyn Adams, Kirk Phillips, grandson Henry Kading, great granddaughter Brooke Phillips, sons in law Henry Kading and Dale Adams, brothers Paul (Betty) Kelley, Robert “George” Kelly, Dr. Richard ( Catherine) Kelly, sister Jane (Dwight) Ackley, and brother in law Roger Phillips. Her family will gather with friends on Thursday from 11 – 1 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday led by Father Kevin Covert of Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Madeline at www.yazel-clark.com.