Shelley Buhl

Shelley Buhl peacefully passed away on February 22, 2026, in Hastings, Michigan. She was born on July 22, 1948, in Big Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Lawrence and Valeria (Coon) Tonkin.

A dedicated nurse, Shelley spent her career serving the community at hospitals in Battle Creek and various doctors' offices. Her passion for helping others shone through in her work as a Behavioral Health Home Care Nurse, where she touched countless lives with her compassionate care.

She began her education at Nashville High School and continued at Kellogg Community College, developing the skills that shaped her career in patient care. Her greatest joy in life was helping others, a passion reflected in everything she did. Outside of work, Shelley found happiness in her beloved cats, George and Precious, and expressed her creativity through the quilts she loved to make.

Shelley is survived by her son Matthew Sylvester and her daughter Katie (Jeremiah) Chabitch, as well as her treasured granddaughter, Laurel Iseminger. They carry forward her spirit of love, kindness, and dedication to helping others, reflecting the values she instilled in them.

Shelley was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Valeria (Coon) Tonkin, her husband Chet Buhl, and her siblings David Tonkin and Sandra Brown.

A private service will be held for the family, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.