Shirley Joyce Ryan

Shirley Joyce Ryan (Chema) of Bay City, MI went to heaven to be with her eternal Father Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at home after a battle with bladder cancer at the age of 84.

Shirley was born January 7, 1936 in Saginaw, MI to Stephen Chema and Bertha Hayner (later remarried to Maude Chema and John Hayner respectively). She graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw in 1954. In high school, she worked as a theater cashier in Saginaw. She took secretarial classes after high school and initially took a temp job as a secretary. Shirley went on to take a full time job at Saginaw Steering Gear in Saginaw. She worked her way up the ladder until she was a Procurement Coordinator. She retired from Saginaw Steering Gear on August 21, 1991.

Shirley was united with Kenneth Ray Ryan on November 12, 1955. They had initially met by the creek close to Fairview Road in West Branch, when the youthful teenager and his cousin rode up on a horse and asked Shirley and her sister, Joyce, if they wanted a ride. Once they married, they stayed in Saginaw to raise their family.

Shirley enjoyed traveling, camping, dancing, playing cards, golfing, fishing, but mostly she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. After their retirement, Ken and Shirley moved to Linwood, MI to live on the bay of Lake Huron. They had innumerable gatherings with family and friends, with food, drinks and stories about the fish that got away. They would also travel to West Branch to stay with Shirley’s mother, Bertha, and visit their son and his family who lived close by. She spent the summers enjoying life on the bay and the winters snow birding in Florida. They went anywhere the pickup and the 5th wheel would take them, including a long trek to Alaska.

Shirley always had a smile and an infectious laugh that would light up a room. She could lighten your day with a word. She had wise advice for those who asked, but never pushed her opinions on others. She was always willing to help those in need, and was always there to help in any way she could. She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Shirley is survived by her son, Robert Ryan of West Branch, daughter, Pamela Ryan of Greenacres, Florida, grandson, Keith Ryan of West Branch, granddaughter, Jennifer Murray (Scott) of Sioux City, Iowa, and grandson Jason Ryan of Dade City, Florida, great grandchildren, Laura and Nathan Murray and Jacob and Mary Ryan.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Alger Cemetery. Rev. Rodney Morrison, Pastor will officiate.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com