Shirley Ann (Johnson) Hamelund, 86, peacefully passed away at her home in the early morning hours of June 25, 2024 while surrounded by her children. Shirley was born on April 14, 1938 in Rockford Illinois to Floyd and Elsie Johnson. She married Big Rapids resident Ronald Hamelund on January 11, 1964 during a beautiful evening candlelight service in Rockford, IL while Ron was serving in the U.S. Navy. In June 1978, upon Rons desire to pursue a small business venture in his hometown, Shirley settled in Big Rapids. Known for her love of animals, Shirley had at least one cat as a pet throughout her life, but most of the time she would share her house with two, three, or at one time 5. Neighborhood stray and feral cats also knew where they could find a dish full of food. She avidly kept her resident wildlife fed by providing seed, suet, and corn. Deer would frequently visit, skunk would make their way up on the deck to finish any cat food left behind, and all variety of birds would feast in her large backyard. But Shirley will perhaps be missed most by the scurry of corn-fed squirrels that lived in her trees. This adoration of animals led to Shirley working at the (former) Pet Hospital in Big Rapids for 18 years. She was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for 46 years and loved her church so much that she spent the last 20+ years serving as the office assistant. Shirley enjoyed being very active in her church, travelling, performing in local Stage-M productions and the Mecosta County Senior Center Readers Theater. But most of all she enjoyed loving and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her children Deborah (Gilbert) Flores of Paris, MI, Darrell (Becky) Hamelund of Antioch, IL, and Craig (Sherrie) Hamelund of Portland, OR; grandchildren Sarah (Gerry), Danielle (Levi), Ryan (Erika), Nathan (Shannon), Joshua, Brooke, Mollie, and Jackson; step-grandchildren Gilbert, Crystal (James), and Kim; great-grandchildren Eli, Gerry, Mason, Madisyn, Sunnie Mae, and Silas; step-great-grandchildren Kierra, Addison, Abigail, Cooper, Skylar, Ricky, Kayden, and Cole; step-great-great-grandchild Alijah; her brother David (Pam) Johnson of Rockford, IL; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years Ronald, and brothers Ronald and Roger Johnson. Funeral services will take place at 2 pm, Saturday, June 29th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Shirleys son Craig officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home Friday, June 28th from 5 pm to 8 pm, and one hour prior to services on Saturday. Memorial contributions in Shirleys name may be made to Hospice of Michigan, or to her family. Share a memory or condolence with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Saturday, June 29, 2024 2:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Friday, June 28, 2024 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Saturday, June 29, 2024 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307