Shirley Ann (Blacksten) Stedman passed away at her home surrounded by her family on June 2, 2026 at the age of 85 from congestive heart failure but more accurately from a broken heart. Shirley was born February 22, 1941 in Grand Junction, MI to Raymond Blacksten and Beryel (Ellis) Blacksten. She was the third of four children born to the Blacksten family. Shirley was a graduate of Bloomingdale High School, class of 1959.

 Shirley’s nickname was “Runt” because of her tiny stature. Size does not measure a person’s strength. She was one of the most strong willed women you could ever meet which served her well throughout her life, whether that was in raising her five tenacious daughters or valiantly battling her ongoing health concerns. Shirley took in many of her daughter’s friends as her own family. There are many who can claim to be the elusive “sixth” Stedman daughter and she loved them all. Shirley was a fantastic cook and baker. Her love language was definitely food and acts of service. Even when they had very little no one ever left their home hungry! Shirley loved to play cards and entertain her family whether it was on an average day or a holiday. She also loved to garden and was so happy earlier this year when her children and grandchildren helped her plant the vegetable and flower gardens under her guidance. 

Shirley always said she felt the reason she was blessed with five daughters was because that way she would always have five friends she could count on. 

Shirley was married to the love of her life, Charles Stedman on June 10, 1960. They were married for 65 amazing years! He sadly passed away on April 25, 2026. We hope they know what an amazing example they set for their family and the world about what true enduring love looks like. 

Shirley was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. She will be deeply missed by anyone who had the good fortune to know her. 

Shirley is survived by her five daughters, Jane (Dan) DeJonge, Sheila (Larry) Washburn, Sheryl (Ray) Church, Rebecca Lundeberg, Melissa (Patrick) Borowiak; 13 Grandchildren, Justin (Jane) DeJonge, Ashley (Cody) Crossman, Chelsea (Ben) Fitzpatrick, Lance (Becky) Washburn, Lee Washburn, Chase (Lydia)Washburn, Colin (Lauren) Washburn, Charles (Ashley) Church, Samantha Burton, Vincent (Carly) Church, Jeremy (Bridget) Church, Rylie Lundeberg, and Reese Borowiak; 18 great-grandchildren; as well as, her older brother, Verlin Blacksten and younger sister, Sue (Blacksten) VanHolt. Last but not least, their beloved dog, Buddy.

Shirley’s funeral service will be held on Monday, June 8, at 11:00 AM at Gorden Funeral Residence, 528 Trowbridge St., Allegan, MI 49010. A one-hour public visitation will precede the funeral service beginning at 10:00 AM. A private committal service for Shirley and her husband, Charles, will occur at Pearson Cemetery in Cheshire Township.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators or Meals on Wheels.