Shirley J. Rich

It is with deep sorrow and great hope in eternal life that we announce the death of Shirley J. Rich. Shirley was born on November 15, 1934 to Calvin and Hazel Cornwell and passed away on September 5, 2026. Shirley fondly would recall many wonderful memories with her younger brother Duane, who preceded her in death in 1989. Growing up on a farm in Applegate Michigan ingrained in Shirley a hard work ethic she continued throughout her life. She consistently asked what she could do to help any and everybody, even when she could no longer see or move easily. She was completely others focused. Shirley married Wyman Elton Rich in 1953, who preceded her in death in 2021. They lived in Sandusky, Michigan, and had two children, Cynthia Youngquist (Thomas), who preceded her in death in 2014, and James Wyman Rich (Ann), whom she affectionately called Tigger. Additionally, she cared for numerous foreign exchange students, many of whom still lovingly call her mom. Shirley loved working with her hands and blessed countless others with gifts of crocheted blankets and other crafts. She was known to come and visit her children and grandchildren with boxes of sweet treats, gifts and other special items. Shirley had a strong trust in her Lord and was a faithful church member where she taught Sunday School weekly for children. Shirley worked at Yale Rubber for most of her adult life, retiring at 65. Shirley was grandma/grams to Becky (Brandon), Tommy (Ashley), Bethany (Nathan), Brittany (Michael), Krista (Adam), Melissa (Mario), and Jessica (Daniel), and to a football squad of great-grandchildren whom she adored: Shae, Alexis, Sam, Heidi, Uriah, Everly, Maverick, Mackenzie, Cole, Nolan, Elijah, Logan, Mason, Caleb, Landon, Blake, Rosie, Isaac, Luke, and Jonah. She was known to give up her walker seat for the kids to ride, and offering to give her grandkids and greats anything that they mentioned liking, even if it was the blanket off her bed. Exceedingly generous, Shirley lived a life knowing that everything she had came from the Father’s hand, and she was eager to share His grace with anyone she came in contact with. This knowledge bloomed into Shirley being known for her fierce contentment and thankfulness, always able to find something to be grateful for, even at the end when age stole so much from her. She was known for her wild laughter at watching horse rodeos, her love of the Detroit Tigers, and her deep, abiding love for her family. When Shirley was offered a vacation home in Hilton Head Island by her work, she invited the whole family every year, making road trip bags for each grandchild, and spending money from her own pocket so each person could have a special experience, creating long-lasting family memories. She believed the best in everyone and was her family’s biggest cheerleader. Her identity was in the Lord and she knew who she was. A believer in the Lord Jesus who lived her life fighting the good fight for Him. She was immensely loved and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West, Plymouth, MI on Friday September 11, 2026 from 9:30-10:30 am with the funeral service immediately following at 10:30. The funeral service will be officiated by her grandson Tommy Youngquist. Shirley will then be buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Davison Michigan where her husband and daughter are laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Plymouth Christian Academy’s scholarship fund.

Shirley J. Rich

November 15, 1934 - September 5, 2026