Visitation
April 22, 2022
12:30 pm
to 3:00 pm
Visitation
April 22, 2022
12:30 pm
to 3:00 pm

Shirley A. Harding

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Shirley Ann Harding, age 65, of Gaylord, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022. 

She was born to Benjamin and Dorothy (Ostrander) Kucharek on June 24, 1956, in Gaylord, Michigan. 

Shirley enjoyed cooking for the holidays and special occasions. She loved talking on the phone with her sister, Cindy, taking trips with her family to Disney, and going to garage sales. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by her parents.  

Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Ward Harding; children, Abby (Dennis) Youngs, Jason (Jessica) Harding, Todd (Kellie) Harding, and Kristine (John) Grish; grandchildren, Chase, Carson, Taylor, Rylee, Rayann, Sophia, Owen, Lyla, Sarah, Aimee, Jade and Andrew; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Eloise, and Hudson; sister, Cindy (David) Matelski; brothers, Tim (Agnes) Kucharek, and Ron (Darcy) Kucharek; and many nieces and nephews.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McReynolds Hall, 825 N. Center Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735. 

A private graveside service will be held Friday, April 22, 2022, at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Vanderbilt. 

The family invites everyone to a Celebration of Life Friday, April 22, 2022, at 12:30 p.m., at the Big Buck Brewery, 550 S. Wisconsin Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735. 

Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.

29 comments on “Shirley A. Harding”

  1. Just a lovely person. Shirley will be remembered as welcoming, friendly, and family was her world! Shirley beamed in those Facebook posts, sharing photos of her very loved family. My heart aches for you all!

    Much Love

  2. We will keep Ward, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in our thoughts and prayers.
    Kirk& Peggy Karhoff

  3. Jeff and Sally Harding

    We are so sorry to hear the news about Shirley. She was always such a sweet heart. We are praying for the whole family.

  4. Shirley was loved and treasured by many. Her smiles and laughter will be missed. Shirley lived for her family and especially her grandchildren. They were her world. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Love and hugs to all. Kevin and Sally Criner

  5. I am so heartbroken to hear of this.. Shirley was my second client back in the day when I was a Hairdresser. I was so nervous to cut her hair but I quickly became at ease. Her kind words and patience helped me that day. After a few minutes of our conversation , I felt like I new her my whole life! She liked what I did because she became one of my regulars. She bought gifts for all three of our children when they were
    born. I am just so very sorry for all of you! Shirley was one of a kind and loved her family very much! My deepest condolences

  6. Dan and Mary Dingee

    Sorry for your loss. Thinking of everyone at this sad time. She was like a second mom to Mike, and I.

  7. Love, hugs and prayers to the entire family ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️ Rest In Peace Shirley

  8. Michelle Norris (Miller)

    I am so sorry to hear the news! She was such an amazing person. Always loved and cherished her and have so many fond memories as a young child while in her care. Breaks my heart for the family.

  9. So sorry to hear this. Shirley babysat my children for a few months til I got on third shift. Prayers for the family. God bless. Patricia Giertz

  10. So very sorry to hear of her passing may the family find light in this darkness and joy and hope from you sorrows good lady gone to soon sorry for you loss

  11. I was blessed to know Shirley for many years. She was a wonderful person and a friend to me and my family. I was blessed to call her mom. My heart hurts for her husband Ward and his family. Your smile, warm heart, and your hugs will be missed. Rest in peace mom I will miss you.

  12. Ward and all the family,
    So very sorry to hear this sad news. Shirley will be deeply missed. She watched my children at one time and was a great daycare Mom. Our Deepest Sympathy and Hugs to all of you!
    Kathy & Terry Avenall

  13. Shirley Harding was a very special client. What made her so special over the past 25 + years was her kind heart and always loyal support. I had the privilege of taking care of her hair needs. During all of those visits we became good friends. She always was there to lift me up and share a laugh. She loved Ward and all of her family. Shirley always enjoyed sharing stories of their successes and antics. If you knew Shirley very well at all you knew that not much was going to stand in the way of her getting her hair done LOL. She was truly a blessing in my life! Thank you Shirley, rest in peace. Ann Berry

  14. Ward and family. I and Michelle send our condolences. Shirley was a one-of-a-kind person. Just gave some much. But most of all was the love she had for her family. RIP Shirley.

  15. Ward and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Shirley was a very caring person, always had a smile on her face. Her family meant the world to her. She will be missed by all that new her. RIP Shirley.

    1. Ward, Jason, and all of the Harding family
      I am so sorry for your loss. Shirley was taken way too soon.
      May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort. Rest in peace Shirley.
      Ernie and Jackie Wcisel

  16. So sorry to hear about Shirley. If we do have angles on earth Shirley diffidently was one. Her warm smile and laugh always made you feel so welcome. I was talking about Shirley the other day and telling Ben we need to get Shirley’s homemade ground bologna recipe. It’s absolutely the best! My heart goes out to Ward, their family & friends. She will be deeply missed by so many. Sending prays that you make it through these difficult times and hugs for each and every one.
    Ben & Deb Labo

  17. Cyn Prusakiewicz

    Ward and family,
    I was so surprised to hear of Shirley’s untimely passing. We played as children in the neighborhood, I worked with her parents at Unipro. Many good memories, we’ve had. Always could carry on a great conversation when we met!
    Please know you and your family are in my prayers!🙏🏼
    Cyn Prusakiewicz

  18. Jim & Barb Lappan

    Ward and family- our sincere thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May her memories last forever. Rest in Peace Shirley.

  19. Sarah Reminder

    Shirley you were like my second mom. I’m still trying to come to terms with you being gone. You were a amazing mom, wife and grandma. Thanks for always takin care of me. Until we meet again ❤️❤️

  20. So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. We became friends in 8th grade, she from St.Mary’s and me from Detroit, exploring the school together, playing basketball, and getting into a little mischief, then working at Dairy Queen. Graduating together and then going our separate ways. I still would see her now and then at Walmart and stop to talk. She will be missed.

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