Shirley Ann Coultes

Shirley A. Coultes, 89 of Vanderbilt, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Woodland Acres in Gaylord after a long battle of dementia. Born on January 12, 1935, to Loran and Ula (Loshaw) Green in Muskegon.  When Shirley was a young girl the family later moved to Vanderbilt to be near family.  She lived her entire life in Vanderbilt. 

 Shirley met the love of her life, David Coultes, of Gaylord, and they were married on September 18, 1954. They had 66 years and 51 weeks of marriage together.  They raised their family of 3 boys on the Green homestead property, originally owned by her Uncle James and Aunt Ada Green. Her parents, Loran and Ula also owned the farm, and Shirley and David purchased it from them in 1968. Shirley was a hard worker, helping Dave farm the property and raise the family meat for years.  Shirley also worked as the head cook for Vanderbilt Area Schools for over 28 years before retiring in 1997. Together they were able to enjoy time camping all over Michigan and Wisconsin from early April through October each year. 

 Shirley enjoyed many hobbies. Her most favorite being knitting and crocheting.  She made many challenging sweaters, as well as over 1,000 pair of socks, mittens, toys, and anything else you can imagine.  She also made and donated over 500 lap afghans for veterans.  She always had something in the works as she watched TV. She couldn't sit empty handed!  Reading was another hobby she enjoyed immensely.  She excelled in cooking, baking, and canning.  She also spent time sewing many clothes for herself and the boys.  She enjoyed the casino trips she and  Dave made, as well as trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin, NV. She really enjoyed the trip they made to Hawaii to visit granddaughter, Marlana while she lived there. Shirley always enjoyed time with family and loved the holidays and especially trips to see Christmas lights. In her younger years she and Dave took pride in decorating the house inside and out for Christmas. Shirley was never without a pet at her side.  She loved dogs and cats and spoiled them all rotten!

 Shirley is survived by her three sons, Pat (Jason Jenkins) Coultes, Chuck (Sherry) Coultes all of Vanderbilt, and Jon (Dawn) Coultes of Johannesburg; grandchildren, Mandi (Jim) Ormsbee, Marly Rockwell, Ben (Jessee) Coultes, Beth Coultes, Jake (Hollee) Coultes, Myke Coultes; and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Jon Coultes; sister-in-law, Susie (George) Kahl; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

 Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Dave; infant son, Roger Lee; parents, Loran and Ula Green; in-laws Cecil and Helen Coultes and daughter-in-law, Brenda Coultes.

 Shirley considered all her caregivers at Woodland as second family as they treated her like family. She always said they were good to her and spoiled her, which they did!

 A memorial Service will take place 12:00 PM Monday, February 5, 2024, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home and Cremation Service where the family will visit with friends beginning at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions in Shirley's honor may be made to the American Legion #122 Wolverine, MI, or to the Otsego County Animal Shelter or to the Care Team Hospice. Please share your memories or personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.