Shirley Courser

Shirley Joan Courser passed away at 90 years of age on July 4, 2024 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Angola, IN.

She was born on May 22, 1934 to Roseamond and Bud Hogan in Ionia, MI.

Shirley attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Fremont, IN where she was a longtime faithful member. Her hope in the Bible’s promises fulfilled her spiritually and gave her life a sense of purpose and promise.

Shirley was the wife of Richard Courser who she married on Dec 23, 1960. Together they raised four sons and one daughter.Gary Courser (Deceased), Robin (JayAnne) Courser, Henderson, NV, David (Shelly) Courser, East Jordan, MI, Cherie (Robert ) Cunningham, Angola, IN, Jeff (Joy) Courser, Fremont, IN.

At the age of 16 she took a position as a candy striper ( Hospital Volunteer) at the local hospital in Ionia, MI. This was a perfect fit as she was especially known for her caring attitude and empathy for others. She then became employed as a telephone switchboard operator which required an alert mind set. She recounted how after a tornado touched down “ two hours away “ the board literally “ lit up like a Chistmas tree “. Later, she would work as a cashier at a small family run business in Ionia, MI and eventually at a Meijers grocery store in Grand Rapids, MI. It was here in 1963, that she was awarded a trophy and the honor of being chosen as “Checker Of The Year “ due to her scrupulous attention for accuracy and honesty. This was no small feat, as it meant she had been selected out of all the cashiers throughout the entire Meijer chain of stores.

Shirley greatly enjoyed and appreciated getting together with friends and family. Hospitality was very important to her and she was well known for her humble yet generous spirit. Leftovers were common after gatherings as she was determined to make sure everyone had their fill. Many a guest left with a “to go bag” carefully labeled with their full name. Family laughed that they were surprised she didn’t include a Social Security number as she was known to be precisely detailed.

Shirley had a lifelong love of music which she instilled in her children along with a love of nature. She frequently expressed her gratitude for the beauty that Jehovah God created. Speaking of gratitude, anyone who knew Shirley found her to be extremely well mannered and polite in all things even on the smallest level. Her children vividly remember repeat lectures doled out on a regular basis entitled “You Make Sure To Use Your Manners “ while growing up.

Shirley also had the privilege of being the oldest of her two siblings. Gary (Deceased) (Barbara) Hogan, Ionia,MI Sharon ( Deceased ) (Dan) (Deceased) Harrington, Shelbyville, MI.

Many stories were shared about her cooking experiments that she attempted while in charge of watching her brother and sister when they were young. The fact that they barely lived to tell about it became a fun family joke. As an adult, Shirley continued to maintain a close relationship with her parents and in-laws, as well as her siblings and their families. Shared meals, cook outs and vacations were the subject of numerous fond memories and laughs.

Shirley also had the pleasure of being an Aunt, a Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. Through out her life, she relished any time she got to spend with these family members. She was especially spoiled by her granddaughter Nikki who gave her many Grammy Gifts and helped indulge her sweet tooth.

Shirley’s family would like to add a special note of thanks and express their gratitude for the heartfelt care she received from the following: Dr Marcos Rodriguez and staff, Home Sweet Home In Home Care (especially Shirley, Karel and Marissa),Heart to Heart Hospice of Fort Wayne, IN, Burnside Senior Center Coldwater, MI ( especially Mary Everline ) and Ellis Funeral Home of Fort Wayne, IN.

Memorial Service for Shirley will be at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2725 State Road 827, Angola, IN 46703 on Saturday 9/28/2024 at 2:00 pm. Meal and refreshments immediately following at Fremont High School Cafeteria, Fremont, IN