Obituary of Shirley Irene Kachar

Shirley Irene Duvall was born on February 23, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio. The only child of Arnold and Mary Jane (Hatch) Duvall. Shirley grew up an Ohioan, graduating from Waite High School in Toledo.  It wasn’t until later in life when she married then made the move to Monroe, Michigan.

Shirley was blessed with five daughters of her own. In addition to caring for the needs of her girls at home, she also worked at ProMedica, formerly known as Mercy Memorial Rehab and Nursing Center, as a housekeeper for many years.  Affectionately nicknamed Baba by her family for the Serbian roots she married into, Shirley practiced her faith at the Eastern Orthodox Serbian Church and looked forward to services where she could kiss the cross in reverence. She also worked many dedicated years at St. George’s Serbian Cultural Center in Monroe.

Shirley enjoyed playing bunko cards with her girlfriends and BINGO whenever she could. She seemed to have all the luck winning the Daily three drawing on more than one occasion, though admittedly not as often as she would have liked.  Shirley always had a sweet tooth and assured her family it was alright to have just a “little soda” or few pieces of chocolate. 

When the weather was nice, she was always ready to push up her sleeves and pant legs to feel the warmth of the sun on her skin. Most evenings Shirley could be found watching the Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune before tuning into the nightly news. She prided herself on keeping up with current events and staying in tune with the community. Shirley was sure to read the Monroe News religiously, never missing a publication, even having it delivered wherever she resided. She had a dedication to always staying in the know. If one needed to know the latest scoop, Baba had the answers, and she could deliver the material like no other.  Above all, Shirley loved and was loved by her family immensely and will be dearly missed.

Shirley Irene Kachar age 84, of Monroe passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday; May 11, 2023, at Wellspring Lutheran Services. Her passing was preceded by her parents Arnold and Mary Hatch and two beloved daughters: Melody and Donna Kachar.

To cherish her memory, she leaves three daughters: Yvonne Kachar, Kathryn Kachar, and Julie Alhamed; seven grandchildren: Tiffany Davis, Jonathon Davis, Kara Hoffman, Joseph (McKenzie) Hoffman, Gabriel Hoffman, Brittany (Ryan) Kunzelman, and Brooke (Dylon) McLaughlin; six great grandchildren: Jack, Brentley, Levi, Ridge, Xavier, and Oliver.

Friends may gather from 10:00am until 2:00pm on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  A Funeral Service will begin at 2:00pm also at Merkle’s.  Procession will follow to Woodland Cemetery in Monroe, Michigan for burial.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with funeral arrangements.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.