Shirley Ann Fuller's Obituary
Big Rapids - Shirley Ann Fuller, 72, of Big Rapids, left peacefully with the Lord on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at home surrounded by family and friends. She was born October 18, 1943 in Clifford, Michigan, the daughter of Michael and Agnes (Lipke) Gondick. Shirley attended Catholic School in Reed City, then worked at Wolverine World Wide. In the mid 60's, she enjoyed making lots of friends and serving food to the locals at Casa Nova. In the early 70's, she became a secretary at Reith-Riley. Later she was educated as a bituminous (asphalt) technician. Shirley continued her training as an aggregate and concrete technician. These skills were used to create proper road and highway specifications throughout the state. She was employed by Reith-Riley, Wilcox & Associates in Cadillac, and Elmer's Asphalt in Traverse City. After retiring from Elmer's, Shirley was a monitor and later an instructor at Ferris State University, training others for bituminous, aggregate, and concrete certification. Shirley had a great love for horses. She enjoyed raising and training many horses. Her horses' offspring continue to win ribbons now in Tennessee. Shirley also enjoyed gardening, quilting, and attending her grandchildren's activities and athletic events. She was a member of the Big Rapids First Baptist Church, the Big Rapids Garden Club, and a ladies quilting group. The last goal she set out to reach and accomplished was making ten quilts, one for each of her children and grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her loving family including three children, JoAnn (Ray) Smith of Shelbyville, TN, Tammy (Dave) Mercer of Remus, and Mark (Linda) Fuller of Big Rapids; grandchildren, Christopher, Cory, and Chase Smith of Shelbyville, TN, Andrea Hanford of Livonia, Shawn Hanford of Big Rapids, Haley and Michael Mercer of Remus, and Remington and Wyatt Fuller of Big Rapids; as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by brothers, Michael (Margaret) Gondick of Gowen, Bert Gondick of Chase, and Robert Gondick of Taylor. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and sister, JoAnn Gondick. A celebration of Shirley's life will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Big Rapids with Pastor Bruce Peterson officiating. Family will greet friends from 10:00 am until the time of service. A luncheon will follow the service. Visitation will be 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, November 16, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Big Rapids. Shirley's ashes will be spread on the farm in Grant Center where she enjoyed raising her children and horses as well as the family farm in Chase where she grew up. Memorial contributions in Shirley's name may be made to the Mecosta County 4-H program with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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