Mrs. Shirley Ann Carlson, age 76, of Ludington, passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in Muskegon. She was born July 13, 1939, in Amber Township to John and Marie (Egner) LaSarge. She graduated with the class of 1958 from St. Simon High School in Ludington. On August 19, 1961, Shirley married Mr. Donald Carlson at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington. She was employed at Reliable Distributing Company as a bookkeeper before transitioning into being a homemaker and being co-owner of West Shore Cleaning Service with her husband.

Mrs. Carlson enjoyed reading, word find puzzles, cooking, and watching nature outside her home. Shirley was many things to a lot of people. A devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and soon to be great-grandmother. However, she was so much more than that. When her husband "Duke" was serving in the United States Coast Guard and left for a thirteen month tour of the South Pacific and Antarctica, Shirley had full responsibilities with two babies, Eric at 22 months and Jennifer at 6 months. She came through it with flying colors and Donald was never more proud of his wife. Her faith and giving nature were her guide as she would daily, without fail, pray the rosary for as many as thirty people whom she felt needed prayer.

Mrs. Carlson will be sorely missed by her husband: Donald Carlson of Ludington , two daughters: Gretchen (Phil) Olson of Norton Shores and Jennifer (Chris) Brokaw of Ada, MI and two sons: Eric (Laurie) Carlson of Stafford, VA and Phillip Carlson of Kincheloe, MI; four grandchildren: Sarah Carlson, Jessica Beachum, Zachary Carlson and Caitlin Carlson; one brother, Eugene (Mary) LaSarge of Grandville, MI; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Gregory, her brother, Fr. Louis LaSarge, and sisters Beverly Meike and Patricia Cape.

The Mass of the Resurrection for Mrs. Carlson will be offered Monday, June 13, 2016, at 11:00 am at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington with Fr. Wayne B Wheeler presiding. A time of visitation will be held Monday one hour prior to the service at St. Simon Catholic Church, 702 East Bryant Road, Ludington, MI. Shirley will be laid to rest in Pere Marquette Cemetery. The family requests that any memorials be directed to St. Simon's Food Pantry, 702 East Bryant Road, Ludington, MI 49431.