Shirley Mary Ruth Bignell Obituary (1933 - 2012)

SHIRLEY MAE RUTH HANSON BIGNELL Shirley was born on July 16, 1933 in Falun, Wisconsin to Reuben and Ruth Hanson. She passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at her home in Lansing, Michigan, at the age of 78 years. Shirley spent her younger years in this NW Wisconsin area, attended rural schools, and graduated from Frederic High School in 1951. Shirley received her teaching degree from Superior State College. Later she earned her Master's degree in education from the University of Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan. Shirley's elementary teaching service included schools in Barron, Wisconsin, Two Harbors, Minnesota and Santa Maria, California. During the late 1950's and early 1960's she then had the opportunity to teach at private schools owned by Phillips Petroleum and Gulf Oil Companies near Barcelona, Venezuela. Upon returning to the U.S., she moved to Montrose, Michigan, teaching there for many years, retiring in 1987. She was a dedicated teacher and put her efforts into close association with her students in accordance to their individual needs and abilities. Shirley married Ellis Bignell of Lansing, on June 25, 1977. They are members of the South Lansing Church of Christ. In conjunction with Shirley's Scandinavian ancestry, she belonged to the Scandinavian Society. Shirley had many engrained artistic abilities, including playing piano, sewing, crafts and knowledge of antiques. She always loved animals, beginning with her farm roots, and family pets were always members of their household. They were not chosen for their pedigree or bloodline, but their need for a home and love. Shirley is survived by her husband, Ellis of Lansing; sisters Hazel and husband Bob of Siren, Wisconsin, Jacqueline VanderVenter and husband Bob of Bayfield, Wisconsin; aunt Virginia Olson of Luck, Wisconsin; loved by thirteen nieces and nephews; and many cousins. She will be sadly missed. Funeral services will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday, May 12, 2012 with visitation two hours prior starting at 10:00AM, at the Chapel in the Pines Funeral Home in Lansing, Michigan.