Shirley Jean Gravelle

Shirley Jean Gravelle, 69, of Temperance, MI, lost her battle with COPD on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, while being cared for in her home surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren.  Shirley had been a school bus driver for Bedford Public Schools for over 20 years, retiring in 2007.  She loved her job and all of the kids and families that she became very close to over the years.  Shirley had a deep love for Harley Davidson motorcycles, and some of her happiest times were when she was on the back of a bike, with the wind in her face.  Shirley loved animals, and her beloved dog, Panda, was by her side until her passing.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Lucy Collins; brothers Joseph Browning and Richard Collins; and husband, Ron Gravelle.  She is survived by her daughters, Tonya Ayres, and Jamie (Billy) Paxton; son, Ronnie Gravelle; grandchildren, Ryan Ayres; Kodie Paxton (BJ Boden); Sumerr Paxton; and Rhiannon Gravelle; sister, Sharon Hill, along with many nieces and nephews.  Shirley’s littlest love arrived in June 2016, when she became the great grandma to Korbin James Boden, whom she referred to as her “little peanut.”

Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania, OH on Thursday, July 19, 2018.  In honor of Shirley’s love of Harley Davidsons, we ask that guests wear their favorite Harley clothing, and if you ride, please bring your bike.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Duke Petting Farm, 44 W. Samaria Road, Temperance, Michigan on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution to Little Blessings Veteran and Community Outreach (checks can be sent to 44 Samaria Rd., Temperance, MI 48182). 

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