Shirley M. Switek

Shirley Marie Beckers Switek age 97 of Wyoming MI passed away at on June 4, 2024, with family at her side.

Shirley was born on October 22, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois to John and Florence Beckers.  In 1932 the family moved to a farm outside of Allegan.

Shirley began her education in Chicago at their Catholic parish school and completed her elementary schooling as one of six students in a one room country school.  Junior high school was a welcome change because she now had the library, and her passion for reading continued to the last of her days.  In high school she was a member of the band and several clubs.  Friendships were made that continued for decades after graduation in 1944.

As the eldest of the three Beckers children, Shirley assumed adult responsibilities at an early age.  When her father left to work for the Army Air Force across the state during WWII, she took on the task of chauffer at age 13.  She was noted for her rather heavy foot for the next 80 years.  Along with her mother and two brothers, they ran the farm.

Blessed Sacrament Church in Allegan was the sight of her wedding to Donald J. Switek on May 28, 1949.  They made their home in Grand Rapids where Don began his career as an accountant.  In 1953 they bought their only home in Wyoming where her five boys were raised.  She lived there for seventy-one years.

Shirley was a talented homemaker and loved picking fruits and berries, especially berries.  When traveling, if she found a berry patch in a rest area, she would come back with hands full of her harvest.  Peaches, pears, cherries, plums, and applesauce were home canned.  Tomatoes and pickles were also part of the food pantry.

Sewing, knitting, and stitching were a talent that garnered ribbons and compliments from recipients of her handiwork, some of which has been passed to great-grandchildren.  Quilts were gifts she made for milestone occasions, and many survive daily use.  Hand knit mittens were often presented as Christmas gifts.  TV viewership was not important except for Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and she displayed a relatively high aptitude for questioning the answer and solving the puzzle.  Many hours in her last days were spent playing 500 Rummy with just about anybody who was willing to sit down with her.

Shirley was generous with her time, talent, and treasure.  She was always willing to teach her skills to anyone who showed an interest.  Her handiwork went to the Ronald McDonald House and hospice.  The last Shirley’s raw materials were donated so others could continue to provide the service.  Her awareness of hungry people prompted cash donations to organizations that feed the poor.   In the orchard, berry patch, or at the farm market, she always came home with more than she needed so there would be some to share.  Her mailbox was filled with requests for contributions and Shirley often responded with a small amount. Veterans’ groups, especially those who served the disabled were favored.

Preceding Shirley in death are her parents, husband Don, brothers Jack and Dick Beckers, son Joe, and granddaughter Amy Switek.  She is survived by sons Greg (Judy) of Ironwood MI, Dan (Eva) of Grand Rapids, Mark (Sara) of Anaconda MT, and Matt (Dorothy) of Caledonia MI, grandchildren Teresa Switek of McRae AR, Karen (Todd) Schultz of Seattle WA, Cheryl (Tim) Pickett of Kalamazoo MI, Joe Switek of Ishpeming MI, Katie (Dan) DeBoer of Granger IN, and Thomas (Jessica) Switek of Kentwood MI and eleven great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on August 1, 2024, at St. John Vianney Church in Wyoming MI by Fr. John Vallier.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with Mass to begin at 11:00.  A luncheon will follow.  Burial of her ashes at Don’s gravesite will be held the same day at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta MI at 4:00 PM. 

The family wishes to thank the many care givers from Home Instead, Green Acres, Emmanuel Hospice, and individuals employed for the purpose of keeping Shirley in her home.  In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Shirley’s memory to a local food bank or organization dedicated to feeding the poor is suggested.

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