Shirley Ann Merillat, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at home under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. She was born on March 10, 1935, in Akron, OH, the daughter of James Rubie and Gladys Mae (Shiflett) Lambes. On January 8, 1955, she was joined in marriage with James “Jim” Nelson Merillat at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, MI. He preceded her in death on April 7, 2022, after over sixty-seven years together.
Known as the heart and soul of her family, Shirley’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She loved socializing with her Red Hat Society members, especially during their tea parties, as she was particularly fond of her morning tea. Shirley retired from General Motors, where she worked in the Fisher Body Division as a sewist. She stayed in touch with her former coworkers there, cherishing the friendships she made.
Alongside her beloved husband, Jim, Shirley owned and operated Merillat International Airport. Together, they created many lasting memories with their flying trips and family airport gatherings.
A devoted member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church for over 70 years, Shirley was also an active member of the Altar Society. She welcomed everyone with open arms and treated them like family
Shirley is survived by her children, Krystal (Harold) White, Theresa (Rene) Ramirez, Renee (Donald) Rutledge and Anthony (Shelley) Merillat; honorary son Kevin Colgan; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Charity) Wright, Craig (Gloria) Wright, Jeremiah (Courtney) Villarreal, Alicia (Jordan Charles) Keller, Cristy (Brian) Justice, Danielle (Zach Keifer) Merillat, and Anthony (Hannah) Villarreal; many great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; siblings, Ruby Howard, James (Audrey) Lambes, William (Margaret) Lambes, Ronald (Bonnie) Bowen; a special niece, Gail Caliguiri; and her sister-in-law, Sharon Lambes.
In addition to her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by two sisters, Hilda (Sis) Staup and Nancy (in infancy); and three brothers, Alfred, Robert, and Earl (Ed) Lambes.
A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, MI, at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, with interment following at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh, MI. Visitation for Shirley will take place at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic church.
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