Shirley Ann Walter

After a decade lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Shirley Ann (Ringel) Walter took her last breath and left this world surrounded by her family on November 18, 2025, at Story Point Chesterfield. Shirley was born on May 18, 1943, on a 100-acre farm in Anchorville, Michigan. She was the youngest of four children born to Sylvester and Marie Ringel. Shirley is survived by her older brother, Sylvester and her two older sisters, Margaret Ringel, and Helen Schneider. Shirley was baptized in May of 1943 at St. Mary Queen of Creation by Father Leo Gaffney, her godparents were Berniece Heath and Roy VanTiem, her mother’s sister, and brother. Shirley remained a devoted Catholic her entire life. Shirley attended kindergarten at The Big Stone School, a one room schoolhouse with grades kindergarten through eight on Frost Road. The school was close to home, often finding Shirley and her siblings walking the country roads. The school had a wood-burning stove and outdoor bathrooms, and there was even a pump for water to drink and wash their hands. Shirley later attended St. Mary Queen of Creation Catholic School in New Baltimore, Michigan and was taught by the Adrian Dominican Sisters (nuns). Shirley took piano lessons at St. Mary’s for close to five years but never continued with this. Shirley made her first holy communion on May 6, 1951, and several years later her confirmation, with her sister Helen as her sponsor. Shirley accepted the confirmation name, Marie, after her mother. As a child Shirley had a lot of fun living on the 100-acre farm, including swimming and ice skating in/on the pond behind their family barn. In the spring Shirley would gather tadpoles in jars and took care of them until they became frogs later letting them go either in the pond or ditch by the road. Shirley also enjoyed roller skating in the family basement and sometimes was treated to skating at the Fair Haven Roller Rink. On the farm where Shirley was raised there were several animals, including horses, cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits, ducks, cats, and dogs. Each sibling had a horse, and Shirley chose the name Bob for hers. During the summer months, Shirley would drive the tractor for her dad when hay was being gathered, recalling being paid .25 cents for each load of hay. During her school days Shirley made lifetime friends, remaining connected throughout the years with monthly luncheons, concerts, baseballs games, dances, etc. Shirley’s first job was when she was in the 10th and 11th grades, doing dishes at Verniers, a restaurant in Fair Haven, Michigan. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in June of 1961. She met her future husband, Terry Walter. Shirley and Terry met through her cousin, Jake, with their first date enjoying Boblo Island. In January of 1962 Shirley entered nursing school at St. Joseph School of Practical Nursing in Mt. Clemens, Michigan and graduated in January of 1963. Shirley worked at the St. Joseph Hospital on the pediatric ward. Terry and Shirley were engaged in May 1963 and were married on June 20, 1964, at the St. Mary Queen of Creation Catholic Church in New Baltimore. Shirley and Terry welcomed their first son, Kevin Joseph, on November 14, 1965, and 14 months later, their second son, Todd Edward, on January 3, 1967. Shirley continued working part time until after Todd was born. Later when Kevin and Todd were in school all day long, Shirley went to work in a small factory in New Baltimore called Transystems Company making plastic bags for various hotels and other companies. Later an opportunity came along in the Anchor Bay School District in the food service department where she remained an employee for 25 years. Shirley retired in 2002 at the age of 59. Shirley belonged to various groups during the years, including TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), The Red Hat Society and several church activities. She enjoyed playing cards with her sisters and sister-in-law Marian monthly, often rotating houses. Shirley LOVED the Detroit Tigers and really enjoyed attending and watching their games during the summer months. Shirley and Terry were married 57 years before Terry passed away on June 1, 2022. Shirley is survived by her two sons, Kevin and Todd, daughter in-law, “best daughter in-law”, Cindy (Ciokajlo”), Walter, and two wonderful grandchildren, Natalia “Putts” and Michael “Shy Guy” Walter. Her family was her pride and joy! The visitation for Shirley will take place on Tuesday, November 25th from 2:00 -8:00 p.m. at the Wasik Funeral Home, in New Baltimore with rosary being led at 4:00 p.m. Shirley will lie instate at 10 am Wednesday, November 26th until 10:30 a.m. mass at St. Mary Queen of Creation Catholic Church with a celebration of life following at the New Baltimore VFW Hall in New Baltimore. Memorial contributions can be made to The Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation at https://parkinsonsmi.org/ Eternal rest faithful servant.

Shirley Ann Walter

May 18, 1943 - November 18, 2025