Shirley J. (Davis) VanderJagt

Shirley J VanderJagt, 97, of  Cadillac passed away on Wednesday February 26, 2025 at Cadillac Senior Care Center.

Shirley was born on January 21, 1928 in Irondale, Ohio to Alonzo and Margret (Bailey) Davis. She grew up in the Irondale area where she graduated from Irondale high school in 1946. After graduation Shirley moved to the Battle Creek area to live with her brother and his wife. In 1949 Shirley married Henry VanderJagt, they moved to the Cadillac area in 1955 and raised four children. The couple divorced in 1967.  Shirley was employed at several local businesses.  She then worked for Borg Warner for many years from which she retired. Shirley was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend, who loved unconditionally, would lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it, and was known for her quick wit and sense of humor.  She was an excellent cook and enjoyed putting together large family dinners.  Shirley enjoyed canning in her younger days and it continued throughout her life.  She enjoyed sewing, knitting, a trip to Ohio to visit relatives, and an evening at home watching Gunsmoke.  Her special passion was dancing, especially to Polka music and with her partner, Ed Kruley.                                                        .

Surviving Mrs.VanderJagt are her two daughters, Christine(John) Kelly of Cadillac, and Karen (Brent) Kemmer of Houghton Lake; two sons,  David VanderJagt of Cadillac, and Steve(Kerrie) VanderJagt of West Yellowstone, Montana; four grandchildren, Ben(Abby) Kelly, Mike Kelly, Brent(Chris) Kemmer II, and Anne(Mike) O'Reilly; seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.  Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; five sisters; grandson, Richard Baldwin; and long time companion Ed Kruley.  

A Celebration of Life Service for Shirley J VanderJagt will be conducted at 12:00pm Wednesday June 18, 2025 from Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home, Cadillac with Chaplin Douglas Klee officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Cadillac. Visitation will be held on Wednesday June 18, 2025 from 11:00am until the time of the service at 12:00pm. A luncheon and fellowship time will be held following the services. Memorial contributions in memory of Shirley are asked to be directed to Munson Hospice. Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.hitesman-holdship.com 

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