Shirley, age 92, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026.
She lived a life marked by devotion — to her family, her faith, her home, and the blueberry fields she loved so dearly.
Born on December 31, 1933, Shirley grew up in the Lutheran Church, which always held a special place in her heart and helped shape the steady, faithful spirit she carried throughout her life. She remained deeply connected to her roots and to her family heritage, often delighting in dropping a little German into conversation — especially when teaching Steve, Jacque, and her niece Mikayla new words (including a few memorable German expressions that always brought laughter).
At the age of 42, Shirley married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Rusin, and embraced not only marriage but the beautiful calling of building a home and family together. She worked for many years at the Hardt Agency before dedicating herself fully to caring for her home and sharing long, hardworking hours in the blueberry fields. She loved working together in the blueberries and took great pride in the labor and life it represented.
She had a special fondness for her golf cart — especially its distinct horn — which she earned through her work in the blueberries. It became one of her trademarks and a reflection of her spirited personality.
Animals were one of Shirley’s greatest passions. She loved all of their dogs deeply, with Andy, their beloved yellow lab, holding a particularly special place in her heart. She also loved gardening, finding peace and joy in tending to growing things and watching them flourish.
Shirley was known for her great sense of humor. She enjoyed laughter and lightheartedness — though she could never quite be convinced to play board games, much to her family’s curiosity. She was also a wonderful cook, known for her well-done meats (a family joke she wore proudly) and pies that were simply the best.
She was a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews and extended that same love to her great and great-great nieces and nephews. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Thomas Christiansen, Ryan Torp, Mikayla Torp, Hunter Torp and Cheri Cox, along with many beloved great and great-great nieces and nephews who brought her so much pride and joy.
Shirley is survived by her stepchildren, Richard Rusin; Kathy Miller; and Steve Rusin (Mary). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael, David Dawe, and Dakota Miller; and her great-grandchildren, Day’Vian Richardson, Kailyn Dawe, and Grayson Dawe.
She will be remembered for her humor, her work ethic, her love of gardening and animals, her devotion to family, and the unmistakable sound of her golf cart horn echoing through the blueberries.
She was preceded in death by her parents, August and Olga Eberhardt, her husband, Dick Rusin and brother, Donald Eberhardt.
Her life was one of steady faith, hard work, laughter, and deep love.
A Funeral will be held Sunday, March 1st at 2:00 P.M. at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 S. Bailey, South Haven with Pastor Travis Wilson officiating. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven.
Those wishing to share a memory of Shirley online may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Service Details
Service
When
March 1st, 2026 2:00pm
Where
Filbrandt Chapel
Address
1076 S. Bailey Ave.
South Haven , MI 49090