Shirley Ann Babler, 76, of Edwardsburg, passed to her rest Monday, Oct. 11, 2010 in Niles.

She was born May 30, 1934 in Piqua, Ohio to John Edward and Louise Elizabeth (Warling) Reeder.

Shirley graduated from Troy High School in Troy, Ohio and in August of that year, she joined the United States Air Force, where she met her husband of 57 years, Richard Babler, Sr. They were married June 27, 1953 in Mobile, Ala.

Together they raised five children: Elizabeth (David) Babler-Schrader of Stillwater, Okla.; Rebecca Babler of Granger, Ind.; Richard Jr. (Lisa) Babler of Farmington Hills, Mich.; Teresa (Andrew) Oross of South Bend; and Robert (Elizabeth) Babler of Niles. There are 12 loving grandchildren. Other family include her siblings, Jack Reeder of Orlando, Fla. and David Reeder of Hendersonville, Tenn.

Shirley received her bachelor of arts degree from Bethel College and was just about to finish a master’s program from Catholic Distance University. She had been a catechist for 47 years and taught religion at St. Joseph High School in South Bend. She was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Edwardsburg. She loved gardening and playing the piano.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, Oct. 15, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 24832 U.S. Highway 12 in Edwardsburg with Father Joe McCormick, pastor, officiating.

Friends may gather at the church social hall Thursday, Oct. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. for visitation with the family.

There will be a prayer service Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Other visitation will be one hour before Mass on Friday at the church.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Niles, with the United States Air Force folding the flag and playing “Taps.”

Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg, is handling arrangements.

Memorial may be made to Michigan Right to Life Organization, which was dear to Shirley’s life.