Shirley Ann Holbrook

Obituary Shirley Ann Holbrook [nee Denton] passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025, surrounded by her family. She had recently celebrated her 89th birthday on June 25th. Her unwavering faith in the Second Coming of Christ and the love of her family and friends comforted her over the past several months. Family Shirley is lovingly remembered by her children, Stevie Jo Carlisle and Gene of Nevada, Donna and Larry Gumowski of Walker, MI., Bonnie Holbrook of Comstock Park, Marilyn Williams [Holbrook] of Grand Rapids, Melisa [Missy] and Dave Jousma of West Olive, and James and Cathy Holbrook of Cascade. She is also survived by her stepdaughters, Debra Holbrook of Sparta and Vicki and David Childs of Kentucky. She loved her grandchildren, Rachelle Gumowski, her finance Michael Tate, Jacob and Christina Gumowski, Mitchell Gumowski, Jessica Holbrook, Erin Holbrook, Brittany and Curt Mann, Taylor and Daniel Quesada, Zachary Holbrook, Noah Williams and Eugene Carlisle IV, Jennifer Denton Carlisle, Jamie Carlisle and James Carlisle. David Holbrook, Donnie and Rebecca Misner. Shirley had the privilege of spending memorable moments with her great-grandchildren—triplets Ben, Riley, and Abigail Mann. Sylas and Grace Holbrook. Sarah Misner. Bryson, Erielle, Aries and Alanie Holbrook. Hunter, Ryker, Marvella Carlisle. Avery Shahan and Ava Carlisle. She anxiously was awaiting the birth of Baby Elena Quesada, Boston Holbrook and one more. She is also survived by her brothers, George Denton of Eugene Oregon and Fred and Tina Denton of Wasilla Alaska. Her sister-in-law Joyce [Joey] Denton, whom she considered her sister along with several nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Chester Dale Holbrook, her parents, Donald and Marjorie Denton. Her brothers Ronald and David Denton and her sister Dolores Zeboor. Life and Legacy Born on June 25, 1936, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Shirley spent many years on Atwood Street where she formed many lifelong friendships. She often reminisced about visiting her aunt and uncle’s farm in Sparta to spend time with her cousins the Pifer’s. She worked for Ma Bell [AT&T], in downtown grand rapids and she worked at Mike’s Spaghetti house. Later after she had her children, she began her career at Amway in the Catalog Warehouse. She worked at Amway for over 20 years. She also served as the scorekeeper for Amway’s softball teams – a role she enjoyed immensely. Family adventures were a hallmark of Shirley’s life. She took her kids roller skating at the schoolhouse in Saranac. She spent a summer with five children on a boat in Spring Lake. She and Chet loved traveling to Daytona on Chet’s Harley Davidson. One spring she packed up the kids and took them to Washington DC. She had other adventures that included travelling from coast to coast. She looked forward to visiting her brothers in Alaska and Oregon and made the trip several times. She even took a trip to Chile with her church friends to serve as missionaries. Shirley’s love of baking and cooking was shared generously with people, neighbors, friends, and her church family. Her kitchen became a place of comfort and ministry, where food and faith were lovingly intertwined. Celebration of Life In accordance with her wishes, Shirley will be cremated and laid to rest beside her husband at West Elmwood Cemetery in Wayland, MI., in a private ceremony. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 5pm, at the Lowell Riverside Fellowship Seventh-Day Adventist church. The family will greet guests beginning at 4pm. Refreshments will be available at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, Shirley requested that contributions be made to the Lowell Riverside Fellowship PO Box 283, Ada MI 49301. The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of West Michigan for their guidance and care over the past several months. Special appreciation also goes to the staff of Resthaven Nursing Home in Holland for taking loving care of mom during her short stay with them. The respect and love that each member showed while in her presence was utterly amazing. Many called her momma while they were helping her with her daily needs.

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Shirley Ann Holbrook

June 25, 1936 - August 11, 2025