Negaunee, MI- Shirley Ione Rushford age 90, passed away peacefully at U.P. Health Systems, Marquette after a week's stint in the hospital.  She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world on November 11, 2022 and entered into her eternal home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Shirley was born to George and Marion Whiffen on August 3, 1932, in Doty, Oconto County, Wisconsin. She was a 1951 Suring High School graduate, a homemaker, and later went on to become a cosmetologist and an instructor at the School of Cosmetology in Marquette.

She married the love of her life Bill Rushford on January 2, 1954, and they shared 67 years of wedded bliss and had three sons together.

In her spare time, Shirley liked baking for her family. Her famous caramel rolls, and her many tins of homemade baked Christmas goodies, brought great joy to family and friends visiting during the holiday season. Shirley loved sewing and was an excellent seamstress. She often altered clothes for friends and family and took great delight in making quilts, and outfits for her granddaughters and others she held dear. Her knitting machine was also a favorite pastime she enjoyed.  Many hands and heads were adorned with new mittens and hats as winter approached.  She also delighted in painting landscapes in oils and watercolors, reading, and travelling.

Shirley was always active in the church in some fashion. Her and Bill lead a youth group in their earlier years, sang in the choir, and attended bible studies. Shirley was a member of Hope Free Lutheran Church.

Shirley leaves behind her three sons, David (Susanna) Rushford, Keith (Connie) Rushford, Dean (Myra) Rushford, 7 grandchildren Charity(Anthony) Orza, Lauren (Kyle) Mullen, Lindsey (Brady Banse), Faith (Clancy) MacNeil, Laura(Joel)Tubman, Maria (Joshua) Jensen, Thomas (Shannon) Dubach,15 great grandchildren, and an honorary granddaughter Caitlin (Jeffrey) Woodward. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Rushford, her parents, 2 brothers Ronald and Dennis Whiffen.

Shirley's family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm with Pastor Steve Jensen officiating.  Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.

The Rushford family would like to thank the staff at U.P. Health Systems, Marquette, for the great care given to Shirley during her stay in the hospital. They also would like to thank Pastor Steve Jensen, Pastor Scott Leutzs, and Pastor Jeff Woodward for their visits to Shirley while she was sick. You all brought her such comfort during her stay and your presence meant the world to her.

Shirley's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.