Shirley Ann Palatka age 79, of Elsie, MI, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Lansing, MI.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ovid, MI, on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11:00 A.M., with Rev Fr. Robert C. Bacik officiating.  Burial will take place at Fairfield Township Cemetery, Fairfield Township, MI.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 6-8 P.M. and Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes-Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI.  A Rosary Service will be prayed at 7:30 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Shirley was born in Laingsburg, MI on July 28, 1939, the daughter of Cecil "Pete" and Doris (Miller) Thompson. She graduated from Ovid High School with the class of 1958.

Shirley married Steven V. Palatka Sr. on October 3, 1959 at St. Cyril's Catholic Church in Bannister, MI; Steve passed away on June 30, 2004. Shirley was a homemaker who enjoyed canning, baking and doing arts and crafts. Shirley and Steve enjoyed traveling.  She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church Ovid, MI.

She is survived by 3 daughters: Brenda and Rick Burkett of Elsie, MI; Lisa and Bob Cunningham of Onsted, MI; Christine and Michael Phillips II, of Owosso, MI; 2 sons: Steven and Sherry Palatka Jr.; of St. Johns, MI; Rodney and Joanie Palatka of Elsie, MI; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Sharon and Dave Zell and Cinda and Karl Vincent; 1 brother Paul and Sandie Thompson; and her Aunt Hazel and Don Seelhoff.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Steve.

Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI.