Shirley Christian

Shirley Christian 

Saginaw, Michigan

Devoted wife, caregiver, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024. She was born in East Tawas, MI on December 1, 1934, to Arthur C. And Charlotte B. (Clute) Allen. Shirley graduated from Tawas City High School in 1953. That same year, on September 26th, she married the love of her life, Kenneth H. (Kenny) Christian when he returned from service in the Army. They celebrated almost 65 years of marriage until Kenny’s death in 2018, and raised five children.

For most of her married life, Shirley was a devoted homemaker who participated in various activities involving her children and grandchildren. She was also a busy volunteer in the community, including several years preparing income tax returns for elderly and low-income individuals through the Vita program. In 2004, she was elected Valiant Woman for Church Women United of Saginaw County. Most importantly, Shirley was an active member of her church, Community of Christ in Saginaw. There she served for many years alongside her husband, as youth leader, secretary, music director, and organist.

Shirley is survived by three sons, Kim (Susan), Steven (Betsy) and Sheldon (Char Hargrove), one daughter Kathy Decker (Kimber) and special niece, Renee Christian Pennington. Also surviving are Shirley’s Sister Kharla Samuels as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Kenny, son Kevin, sister Letty, brother Clifford and special grandson Andrew Decker, who loved to go camping and fishing with Grandma and Papa. Many thanks to Dr. Jane Castillo and her staff for years of loving care, as well as to the staff at Laurels of Hudsonville where Shirely resided until her death.

Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Community of Christ Church, 300 N Center Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603, officiated by Pastor Julie Gross. Interment will follow the service, in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Community of Christ, 300 N. Center Road, or to a charity of your choosing. Please share your memories of Shirley with her family at the visitation and service, or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.