Shirley Knowlton, age 93, died Thursday, Aug. 17.

Shirley was born May 19, 1930, in Martin, the daughter of Johanas and Bertha (Scholten) Vander Ploeg. Shirley worked in housekeeping at Sandy Creek Nursing Home until she retired in 1990. In her free time, she enjoyed bowling, working in her yard, garage sales, and spending her winters in Florida.

On Nov. 8, 1956, she married Larry Knowlton.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children Steve (Jolynne) Knowlton and Douglas Knowlton; grandchildren Ashley (Aaron) Martin, Tyler Knowlton; siblings Alvin Vander Ploeg, Judy Oglesbee, Duane Vander Ploeg; many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Knowlton; daughter, Pamela Knowlton; daughter-in-law, Natalie Knowlton; parents; and siblings Jake Vander Ploeg, Connie Vander Ploeg, Jerald Vander Ploeg, Alice Kraima, Josephine Vander Ploeg, Henry Vander Ploeg and Bonnie Earl.

Shirley’s graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 at Elmwood Cemetery, 3239 10th St., Wayland.

In honor of Shirley, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.