Obituary: Shirley Veerman, 92, of Ludington

Shirley Veerman

Obituary: Shirley Veerman, 92, of Ludington

Shirley Ann Veerman, 92, of Ludington, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Shirley was born on January 13, 1931 in Spring Lake Township, Illinois, the daughter of Elmor Clyde Callaway and Bertha Hughes Callaway. She married Dean Veerman on June 9, 1950 in Manito, Illinois. 

Working as a nurses’ aide, Shirley spent her career at Ludington Memorial Hospital from 1967 to 1981. She was an active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church (previously Washington Avenue Baptist Church) since 1955. Over a span of 48 years, she served in all of the women’s groups, choir, vacation bible school, nifty 50s, and several others, until she had to slow down in 2003. She was active in Ludington band parents for several years. 

Shirley was an avid reader who enjoyed crosswords, word search, and adult coloring. Since moving to Ludington in 1955, Shirley and Dean loved hosting family and friends at their home for barbecues, fish fries, holidays, and other gatherings. Shirley and Dean created a home that was full of love and soul, the center point of the family, a place where everyone was welcome. No matter how long or how far the separation, their home was always home. 

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Annetta Gleason of Bitely; sons, Dennis (Micki) Veerman of Harrisville, R.I. and Keith (Gerry) Veerman of Ludington; sister, Donna Meeker of Manito, Ill.; brothers, Clyde (Debbie) Callaway of Beardstown, Ill. and Gary (Gloria) Callaway of Pekin, Ill.; sister-in-law, Doris (Glen) Callaway of Pekin, Ill.; brother-in-law, Don (Della) Veerman of Pekin, Ill.;  nieces, Joyce and Diane Veerman of Pekin, Ill.; six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Veerman; her parents, Clyde Callaway and Bertha Hughes Callaway Randolph; grandsons, Jacob Veerman and Gabriel Gleason; brother, Glen Callaway; sisters, Sarah Jean Veerman and Judy Whitehouse; and son-in-law, Leon Gleason.

Shirley’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church with visitation starting at 10 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.