Obituary of Shirley Mae Ingall
Shirley Mae Herbst was born in Monroe, Michigan on May 2, 1934. She was the youngest of two daughters born from the union of William and Hattie (Gensler) Herbst. She was a 1952 graduate of Dundee High School. Following high school, Shirley, would attend the Michigan College of Beauty in Monroe eventually obtaining her Cosmetology License through the State of Michigan. As a young woman she was employed in sales at JC Penny.
She married the love of her life, Rex G. Ingall Jr., on September 26, 1955, and the couple would be blessed with two children. They worshipped at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Ida where Shirley was extremely active. She also sang with the Sweet Adelines for twenty-seven years. For more than ten years she was employed as an Elementary Teacher's Aide by Dundee Community Schools.
The couple enjoyed spending time together and were avid travelers. For many years they loved to camp but throughout their life they appreciated taking cruises and seeing the countryside by train.
First impressions were everything to Shirley. She was a “sharp-dressed” woman always put together. Shirley was 87 going on 27, and was often quoted as saying, “growing old is a privilege not everyone can afford”. She loved her costume jewelry accumulating boxes full of it and often laying out her ensemble, jewelry and all, the night before. She enjoyed shopping, many times with grandchildren in tow, and often perused the Goodwill and Thrift Stores to find her treasures. Over the years she acquired a substantial collection of roosters that she proudly displayed in her home. She truly enjoyed making others happy and was generous with what she had often gifting items to those she loved.
Shirley had no filter and was never short of opinions. She wasn’t afraid to ever share the brutal truth.
Shirley Mae Ingall, age 87, of Monroe went home to be with the Lord on Monday; October 25, 2021 at her home. Her passing was preceded by her parents, her beloved husband of fifty-seven years: Rex on July 12, 2012; a son: William G. Ingall on June 6, 2021; a grandson-in-law: Sgt. Christopher Messer on December 27, 2006; and a sister: Virginia Sheets.
To cherish her memory she leaves one daughter: Gloria J. (Richard) Miller of Monroe and William’s significant other: Shari Bowman of Ida; two grandchildren: Eric (Karrie) Miller and Amie Messer; four great grandchildren: Richard (Kristin) Miller, Zachary Miller, Skyle Messer, and Maddox Sawyer; and her Shitszu: Toto
Friends may gather from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Saturday; October 30, 2021 at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 1:00pm also at Merkles with Pastor Willie Lass of Grace United Methodist Church in Britton officiating. Private burial will take place at Northside Cemetery in Maybee.
Memorial donations are suggested to the American Heart Association or Fallen and Wounded Soldiers. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com. The Ingall Family wishes to acknowledge Dan Gramlich for being a dear friend to Shirley for many years.
