Shirley Ann Fulkerson age 72 of Reed City, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, March 6, 2009 at her home with her loving family at her side. She was born March 25, 1936 in Big Rapids the daughter of Thomas F. and Marie (Peepers) Ray. Shirley married Hugh Fulkerson Sr. on March 26, 1955 in Grand Rapids. Following Hugh's discharge from the United States Navy the young family moved to the Big Rapids area where they have remained. In addition to raising her busy family, Shirley also worked at Mecosta County General Hospital in Big Rapids as a nurse's aide. She was a lifelong member of D.A.V. Chapter #18 Woman's Auxiliary of Big Rapids. She will be forever missed by her devoted family whose members include her son, Hugh Fulkerson Jr. of Reed City; 5 daughters, Denise (James) Hall of Tustin, Julie Merryman of Reed City, Diane (John) Reed of Tustin, Laurie (William) Lucha of Cadillac, Janet Bacon of Grand Rapids; 15 Grandchildren; 21 Great-grandchildren; Her 5 sisters "The Hood" , Nancy Myers of Big Rapids, Faye (Paul) Thomas of Remus, Sharon (Art) Vincent of Big Rapids, Sandy Sweet of Paris, Barb Lisco of Hudson, FL; Sister-in-law, Alicia Ray of Douglasville, GA; many nieces, nephews and her loyal and loving canine companion, Fatboy. Besides her parents Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years; Hugh Fulkerson Sr. on April 11, 2006; 2 brothers, David Ray and Thomas Ray Jr. and a sister Betty Derby. Funeral services will take place 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2009 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Steve Upshur officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until services at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Shirley's name be made to either the D.A.V. Chapter #18 Woman's Auxiliary of Big Rapids or Mercy Hospice of Cadillac.