Shirley Roloff

Shirley Roloff, 90, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family following one last Super Bowl Sunday. Born January 16, 1936, to Horace B. and Addie Lee Suddreth in Lenoir, North Carolina, Shirley’s childhood was spent zipping around her parents’ grocery store and gas station with her siblings, outmaneuvering grown men in their big trucks—a skill that landed her a fun job as a school bus driver at the ripe age of 16 in the mountain wilds of North Carolina. No, really, she drove the school bus, and probably did it better than most adults.

A fond memory from her childhood that she liked to share with her grandkids was how much she could do on a Sunday after church with a single dollar that her dad would give her for a fun time in town…a pimento sandwich with a coke for lunch and a movie, for starters!

Shirley met Bill at a bowling alley in St. Joseph—not exactly love at first sight (she was quick to mention he wasn’t her cup of tea at first), but his wit and charm eventually won her over. They tied the knot on March 2, 1960, and after several moves, planted roots in Charlevoix in 1974. Not long after, they launched Charlevoix Canvas: Bill stitched and built, Shirley answered phones, took orders, and wrangled the books. As any caller soon realized, Shirley was the true boss of the operation.

Running a daycare from home came naturally—she sparkled around children, earning the nickname “Ma” from many. Later, she bartended at the Flight Deck bar, where she developed a reputation for not letting anyone get away with anything. If Shirley was behind the bar, you behaved. Period.

Shirley was a loving mom and grandma to many, and a public servant known for looking out for everyone around her. Shirley spent more than 45 years pouring her time, energy, and heart into the community she adored. She dedicated 24 years to serving as the Charlevoix County Commissioner for District 6, where her steady leadership and deep commitment to public service left a lasting mark. Among her proudest achievements was the creation of the Charlevoix County Recycling Program in 2000. She guided the project from its earliest planning stages to full operation, writing contracts, securing equipment, and helping establish the county’s recycling committee. Her work built a program that continues to benefit residents today. She also served on many boards, including the Charlevoix Health Department and the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency.

She also played a meaningful role in the county’s transition to the new administration building and contributed to numerous boards, committees, and community initiatives throughout her decades of service, prompting the dedication of Charlevoix’s new county building to her as “The Charlevoix County Shirley Roloff Center.”

Locally, she was “Grandma Shirley,” radiating warmth, friendliness, and the uncanny knack for turning strangers into friends. Whether chatting up shoppers at the grocery store, attending a meeting, or watching her son in his band and later her grandson, Shirley had the superpower of making people feel seen, welcomed and valued.

Compassion was her calling card, and she’d lend a hand to anyone—family, friend, or stranger. Yet, she also had a feisty side to her; coming out when standing up for what was right. We loved to hear it come out in that southern accent of hers too. She could put the fear of God in you, all while standing under five feet tall—and somehow, you’d thank her for it.

Family brought her the greatest joy: she loved a bustling house, the laughter, the noise, and even the chaos. Holidays, birthdays, and everyday get-togethers were her happiest moments. She cherished church outings, euchre battles (challengers beware!), and sunny deck days with loved ones.

Shirley leaves behind her children William Roloff Jr. (Jane Roloff), Robert (Audrey) Roloff, Beth (Jim) Martin, and Rebecca Roloff; grandchildren Jamie Roloff, Robert Roloff Jr., Jodie Roloff, William (Samantha) Roloff, Andrea (Jason) Roloff-Doty, Emily (Shane) Roloff-Reed, and Sarah Martin; and great-grandchildren Cameron Roloff, Landen Roloff, William Roloff, Desmond Roloff, James Roloff, and soon-to-arrive Baby Girl Reed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Roloff; her son, Bryan Roloff; and her siblings Helen Mahaffey, Clara Coffey, Martha Boness, Robert Suddreth, Mary Suddreth, Wilma Vedok, Charlie Suddreth, Richard Suddreth, Patty Muma, Gail Hayes, William Suddreth, and Nolan Suddreth.

Shirley will be missed by family, friends, colleagues, and the many Charlevoix residents whose lives were brightened by her humor, kindness, and trademark determination. If you ever met Shirley, you probably walked away with a smile—and maybe a new perspective (or a reminder to behave yourself).

A Celebration of Life will be held this spring. Details will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sing her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com