Shirley Tappenden, 95, of Coldwater, went to her heavenly home with joy to celebrate with Jesus Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility.
Funeral services will be Friday, February, 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at the Quincy United Methodist Church with Pastor Rachel Labram officiating.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service at the Quincy United Methodist Church. Private interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery.
She was born on November 17, 1927 in Coldwater to Archie and Iva (Roth) Smith. She was a 1945 graduate of Coldwater High School. Shirley married Roy Tappenden on March 16, 1947 and he preceded her in death on April 6, 2016.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Iva and Archie; siblings, Vera Bergman, Darrel Smith, Frances Stoppenbach and son-in-law, Mike Tomson.
Shirley served as Quincy librarian a total of 15 years in two stints. When Roy was transferred to the Michigan Thumb area, she worked for the Elkton-Pigeon-Bayport Middle School for two years and the Pigeon District Library for six years. Roy and Shirley made many friends in the area. They moved back to Coldwater where Shirley finished nine more years as librarian in Quincy before retiring.
Shirley cherished her many years as a member of the Quincy United Methodist Church where she served many years as a teacher of children’s and adult Sunday School, as well as Vacation Bible School. She was a member of the Mary Circle, the quilting group, and served on various committees as needed. She greatly enjoyed singing in the church choir.
Aside from church, she was a 4-H leader for several years and also Brownies, Girl Scouts and Boy Scout leader. Shirley was a member of NIKA until her death. She loved spending time with family and friends, visiting them and cooking for them was precious to her.
She and Roy travels the United States and especially enjoyed camping. Shirley is survived by four children, Connie Harmon, Gary (Debbie) Tappenden, Michael Tappenden and Kathy Tappenden-Tomson. Her grandchildren are Sonja Griswold, Eric (Betsy) Tappenden, Ryan (Sarah) Tappenden, Aaron (Tara) Tappenden, Dan (Holly) Tappenden, Kevin (Megan) Tappenden, Brent (Renee) Tappenden and Nicole Tappenden (Greg Hess). She leaves many great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Quincy United Methodist Church or the Quincy Public Library.
Comments