Shirley J. LaBelle, 87, Burlington, died Sept. 25, 2013, at her home with her loving family at her side as she said her final good bye.
She was born on the family farm in Walworth County to the late Roy and Margaret Lemmerhirt on Feb. 11, 1926.
She was a graduate of Burlington High School, Racine-Kenosha Teacher’s College and later Whitewater State University. She began her teaching career in a one-room school in Walworth County. She then taught for 15 years at Burlington Junior High.
On Feb. 15, 1947, she married Edward LaBelle at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Slades Corners. He preceded her in death Jan. 13, 2008.
She was a volunteer at Memorial Hospital of Burlington for 38 years, a VFW auxiliary member, served on the library board and many other community functions. She was a member of Cross Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school and served on numerous committees. She looked forward to the monthly Bible study meetings of Elizabeth Circle, and the friends she cherished in the group.
Shirley and Ed enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and parts of Europe. She loved gardening, reading, antiques, family history, and friends. Above all, her first love was her family and being a wife, mother, grandma and great grandma.
Survivors include her children, Kathryn (Larry) Busch, Bossier City, La., Thomas (Mary Erin) LaBelle, New Berlin; grandchildren, Tim (Tamara) Busch, Santa Fe, N.M., Kerry (James) Mason, Hampstead, N.C., Jessica (David) Bungard, Shreveport, La., Erin and Ian LaBelle, New Berlin; great-grandchildren, Nathanyal and Briana Mason, and Shelby and Justin Bungard; sisters, Beverly (William) Ford, Orlando, Fla., and Joy Kerkhoff, Imperial Beach, Calif.; brother, Lowell (Yvonne) Lemmerhirt, Powers Lake; sister-in-law, Jeanne LaBelle; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many dear friends she made as she journeyed through a long and wonderful life.
She was further preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Lynn LaBelle; brothers-in-law, Rod Kerkhoff and William LaBelle.
Visitation is Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m., until time of service at 11 a.m., at Cross Lutheran Church, Burlington. The Rev. Carolyn Sellers will officiate. Burial will follow in Burlington Cemetery. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory, Burlington, is serving the family.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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