Shirley June Akright Obituary

Shirley June Akright, 86, of St. Joseph, passed away on Tuesday – August 27, 2024 at the Caretel Inn in St. Joseph. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel – 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI.

Shirley was born on May 9, 1938 in Sawyer, MI, to the late Herman and Adelcy (Sonnenberg) Hauch.

Shirley was a graduate of New Troy High School. On Sept. 27, 1958 in Sawyer, MI she married Robert Franklin Akright and they remained married for 65 years until her death. She and Robert met while they were both working at the Herald Press. Shirley was the church secretary at St. Matthew’s Church for 25 years and also sang in the church choir. She enjoyed bowling, reading, puzzles, scrap booking, and traveling with her husband on many bus trips. She was also treasurer of Camp Lor-Ray in Muskegon.

Shirley is survived by her husband – Robert; three daughters – Cindy (Robert) Meiselwitz of Mesa, AZ, Sherie (Mark) Bauman of Silver Springs, MD and Denise (Joseph) Rudzki of Dearborn, MI; grandchildren – Timothy, Rebekah and Katelyn; great grandchildren – Noah, Amos, Isaac, Lydia, Dakota, Jace and Christopher; brother – James (Claudia) Hauch of Rockford, IL and sister – Carol (Manfred) Moneta of Bridgman, MI. She is preceded in death by her brother Robert Hauch.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday – September 4, 11:00am, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church – 1965 Broadway, Benton Harbor, MI, with Pastor Nathan Buch officiating. Visitation with the family precedes the service from 10:00-11:00am, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Beautiful Savior Church or to Michigan Lutheran High School.