Shirley D. Hemminger, 86, of South Ninth Street, Niles, died at 6:20 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at West Woods of Niles following a brief illness.

She was born Feb. 14, 1925 in Niles to Paul C. Zielinski and Dorothea G. (Bunch) Zielinksi. She lived in Niles for more than 50 years.

She retired in 1987 after more than 30 years of service at Sears Roebuck Department Store, both in Niles and the University Park Mall in South Bend.

Shirley was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church. She was an avid bowler and a former Girl Scout leader. She volunteered at church and with several civic organizations to keep busy after retirement.

Surviving family include her sons, David (Linda) Hemminger of Galien, Tony (Penny Newton) Hemminger of Denver, Colo.; sisters, Lora (Glen) Wile of Texakana, Texas, Pat Frey of Jackson, Mich. and Dodee Barthel of Niles; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Zielinski.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 21 at the graveside in Niles with the Rev. James Slack of Trinity Episcopal Church officiating.

Burial will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church.