Shirlee Mae Vandenburg

Shirlee Mae VanDenburg, age 92 of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on May 8, 2021. Shirlee was born July 3, 1928 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Burdett and Vera (Hicks) Heath.

Shirlee attended Hastings High School, retiring from Hastings Bowl as Assistant Manager and Bowling Coach. She married Frederick Thomas VanDenburg, and they were married for 55 years until his death in 2004.

Shirlee loved to go 4-wheeling, but her main love was bowling. She is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as being the oldest woman to throw a 300 game at the age of 80. She bowled several 700 series and is a member of the Bowling Hall of Fame in Battle Creek and Hastings. Shirlee and her daughter, Stacey, won doubles in the Women's State Bowling Tournament. Shirlee and her son-in-law Wally bowled on WOTV Bowling Classic and were friends for a long time.

Shirlee was preceded in death by her spouse, Frederick Thomas, her parents, her brothers James Heath, Newell Heath, Ben Heath and Albert Heath, and son-in-law Michael D. McKee, whom she was very fond of.

She is survived by her sons Frederick (Cheryl) VanDenburg, Wesley B. (Lisa) VanDenburg, daughters Stacey K. McKee, Sheryl (Wallace) Lee, grandchildren Josh, Wesley (Denice), Ryan (Heather), Rocky (Flavia) VanDenburg, Jared (Brenda) McKee, Derrick, Devin, Dylan McKee, Danielle (Levi) Shriver and many great-grandchildren. Shirlee loved her dog (Ben), and she loved her grandchildren. She worked for Dean Lambert & Sonja for 50 years, and had many good times with Dean, Sonja and their 3 children Nichole, Kristy, and Lindsey, and they were her second family.

A celebration of life will be held on July 3rd, 1:00 PM at Hastings Bowl.  Bring your bowling gear.  . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirlee's name can be made to the Barry County Humane Society, c/o Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.