Obituary: Shirley Ann Eschels, 91, of Scottville, Ludington

Shirley Eschels

Shirley Ann Eschels, 91, longtime resident of Scottville and Ludington, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024 in Grandville.  Shirley was born on May 13, 1932 in Free Soil, the daughter of Loyal L. and Margaret A. (Tobey) Bagley, and graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1950.  On June 2, 1951, Shirley was wed to Arno R. Eschels at the St. John Lutheran Church at Pelton’s Corners near Free Soil and they celebrated 62 years together before Arno preceded her in death in 2013.  Shirley was also preceded in death by her son Steven “Okie” Eschels in 2016; her daughter-in-law Donna Eschels in 2017; her brother Robert Bagley; and her brothers-in-law Ervin and Carl Eschels; and her sisters-in-law Edna Hansen and Doris Rader.

Shirley served as the branch manager for State Savings Bank of Scottville (West Shore Bank) at the Fountain location for over 26 years.  During her time as manager she continued her education at West Shore Community College, taking courses that would help her better serve her customers.  She became a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville when St. John’s merged into the new congregation.  Shirley served as a Sunday school teacher for many years and was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.  She was very social and enjoyed bowling with friends in leagues in Scottville and was well known as a “card shark” when it came to playing setback or enjoying a game of pinochle.

Shirley will be greatly missed by her daughter, Sara Eschels of Grand Rapids; her son, Daniel Eschels of Ludington, Jeffrey and wife Kris and their son John Michael of Winter Park, Florida; her daughter-in-law Robin Eschels of Homestead, Florida; her brothers Wilbur “Bill” Bagley and wife Jean of Grand Ledge, Richard “Dick” Bagley and wife Vonda of Deltona, Florida; her sister Delores “Cookie” Barton of Clinton Twp., MI; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A ceremony to remember Shirley’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 22 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville with Rev. John Hansen and Rev. Kenneth Williamson officiating.  Burial will take place with her beloved Arno at South Victory Township Cemetery.  Friends may meet with Shirley’s family on Friday morning from 10:00 am until time of services at the church.  Those who wish to remember Shirley with a memorial donation are asked to please consider the Endowment Fund at Our Savior Lutheran Church, or to  the Bring A Bus to GTCM Fundraiser at Georgetown & Cambridge Manor, 151 Port Sheldon Street, Grandville, MI 49418 https://baruchsls-georgetown-cambridge.kindful.com

Please visit Shirley’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a tribute of memory of Shirley with her family.