Shirley Merillat

Shirley Ann Merillat, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at home under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. She was born on March 10, 1935, in Akron, OH, the daughter of James Rubie and Gladys Mae (Shiflett) Lambes. On January 8, 1955, she was joined in marriage with James “Jim” Nelson Merillat at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Mich. He preceded her in death on April 7, 2022, after over 67 years together.

Shirley was employed as a sewist in the Fisher Body Division of General Motors for many years. She was a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church for over 70 years and served as a member of the Altar Society. Shirley was the solid foundation of her family. She was especially fond of her morning tea, staying in touch with her former coworkers at Fisher Body, and socializing with her fellow Red Hat Society members. Along with her husband, Jim, Shirley owned and operated Merillat International Airport, and the two of them went on many flying trips together. Her special joy was watching and interacting with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley is survived by her children, Krystal (Harold) White, Theresa (Rene) Ramirez, Renee (Donald) Rutledge and Anthony (Shelley) Merillat; honorary son Kevin Colgan; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Charity) Wright, Craig (Gloria) Wright, Jeremiah (Courtney) Villarreal, Alicia (Jordan Charles) Keller, Cristy (Brian) Justice, Danielle (Zach Keifer) Merillat, and Anthony (Hannah) Villarreal; many great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; siblings, Ruby Howard, James (Audrey) Lambes, William (Margaret) Lambes, Ronald (Bonnie) Bowen; a special niece, Gail Caliguiri; and her sister-in-law, Sharon Lambes.

In addition to her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by two sisters, Hilda (Sis) Staup and Nancy (in infancy); and three brothers, Alfred, Robert, and Earl (Ed) Lambes.

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Mich., at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. Interment followed at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh, Mich. Visitation for Shirley took place at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic church. Online condolences may be made to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.