Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and sister passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2019. She was 90 years old. Shirley Jean Schlarf was born on September 14, 1928, in Ithaca, Michigan, to the late R. G. and Lottie (Walter) Schlarf. She met the love of her life, Harry H. Gath, by serendipity when he sat beside her at the local cinema. They were united in marriage at their Pastors home on June 1, 1946; he preceded her in death on January 30, 1999. Shirley was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hemlock. For a brief time, she and Harry proudly owned and operated a small country store in Chippewa Lake. As a young woman, Shirley liked snowmobiling. A caretaker most of her life, she enjoyed baking, cooking, and canning. Shirley also enjoyed spending time gardening, knitting, sewing, coloring, word search puzzles, and playing Bingo. She always treasured and cherished the three trips she took to Alaska with her husband Harry. Above all, Shirley loved spending time her family, especially her grandchildren.
Surviving are a daughter and a son: Thomas (Sandra) Gath of St. Charles; and Eileen (Keith) Card of St. Charles; three grandsons: Harry (Wendy) Gath of VA; Eric Gath of St. Charles; and Mark (Julie) Card of Merrill; two special granddaughters: Michelle and Tiffany; five great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; one great-great-granddaughter; two brothers; and one sister. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; two sisters; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Gath. A Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw St., Merrill. Pastor Paul Hauser will officiate. Burial will follow in Marion Township Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Zion Lutheran Church or Marion Springs Fire Department.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
125 East Saginaw Street
Merrill, MI
United States 48637
