Bruce and Shirley Goodrich

Lansing, MI  

Bruce Allen Goodrich, age 90, passed away on October 21, 2014.  He was born in Lansing, Michigan on May 31, 1924 to Albert and Marie (Williams) Goodrich.  Bruce was a member of Central United Methodist Church, and a former member and President of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.  He was a Veteran of W.W. II, serving as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in the Philippines.  Bruce was a graduate of the Michigan State University School of Business and was a previous President and an owner of Goodrich’s ShopRite (Spartan ShopRite – Trowbridge Road).

Shirley Imagene (Shaw) Goodrich, age 92, passed away on December 2, 2014.  She was born in Holland, Michigan on July 24, 1922 to Carlton and Eva (St. Clair) Shaw.  Shirley was a member of Central United Methodist Church, Lansing Matinee Musicale, and Sigma Alpha Iota Women’s Music Fraternity.  She attended Michigan State University School of Music majoring in piano and voice … studying with internationally known Metropolitan Opera Bass-Baritone, Fred Patton.  Shirley served as contralto soloist for a variety of local and regional musical organizations as well as, Metropolitan Methodist Church in Detroit from 1950 – 1955.  In the third concert of the Lansing Civic Symphony 29th season she was the contralto soloist for the Beethoven 9th Symphony (Choral).  Her full and resonant voice was treasured for many years as a welcome addition to the Central United Methodist Church Chancel Choir and the Lansing Matinee Musicale Chorale Ensemble.

Bruce’s brother, Wayne (Marion Atzinger) in 1997 and sister, Evelyn (Robert J) Scheffel in 1999, preceded him in death.  Shirley’s brother, Ned (Helen “Betty” Fuller) in 2003 and sister, Helen A. Crounse in 1978, preceded her in death.  Bruce and Shirley developed a mutual affection and trust in one another that produced an enduring relationship for over 70 years.  This solidarity was an evident and inspiring characteristic to all who knew them.  They both shared a common love for vocal music and could very often be heard singing to each other, if not performing together in the same concert program.   Bruce and Shirley were the devoted parents of Gretchen (John) Gleason and Gregory (Debby Tinklepaugh) Goodrich; loving grandparents of Larissa (Lawrence) Clark, Sarina Gleason and Joy Lynn (Heath) Hazard; loyal brother to Mary Lou (Carlton) Griffin; special great-grandparents to Emma, Ethan and Logan; and fine uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Bruce will be remembered as an extraordinary father, avid golfer, exceptional card player, fine singer, skillful businessman, faithful Christian, man of great energy, and particular friend to those who desired the opportunity for a better life.  Shirley will be remembered as a loyal and faithful mother, a skilled piano accompanist, exceptional singer, lively bridge player, woman of great energy, spirited Christian, and particular soul who could uncover the humorous side to life’s difficult realities.  They are both at rest in Deepdale Memorial Gardens and their souls are with the Lord.  Contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice or to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

A memorial service will be held on what would have been their 70th wedding anniversary, Sunday, February 15, 2015 from 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Molly Grove Chapel, First Presbyterian Church, Lansing, Michigan.  Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel is serving the Goodrich family.

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4 Messages to “Bruce and Shirley Goodrich

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Dave and Shelly Cleeves
October 21, 2014 at 6:26 pm

Our deepest condolences go out to Shirley and the rest of Bruce’s family.He will be deeply missed by my wife, Shelly, who not only was a friend, but one of his care givers. I had the pleasure of meeting Bruce on several occasions and wish that I could of known him better. He was always smiling when I got to see him, and was very gracious to the girls who took care of him in his final years. From what I hear, he was quite a man.

Love,
Dave and Shelly

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Kip Williams
October 22, 2014 at 7:55 am

Bruces Family: So sorry to hear of the passing of Bruce. I have known him since I was a baby. Bruce was a good man. My Mother and Dad (Ben & Dorothy Williams) always held him in high regards, including myself. Last time I saw Bruce and Shirley was several years back at the Flapjack Shack Restaurant on Waverly road, Lansing. They were having lunch as we were. He had a long life, surely he was blessed. As family goes, Bruce was a cousin. His Mother was my grandfathers, on my dad’s side, sister. See you in the next life. I will be looking for you along with Wayne and Johnnie. Kip

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Eric and Kris Kilmer
February 13, 2015 at 6:45 am

I remember the old store on W. St. Joe near your home, the smell of fresh ground coffee beans as you walked in the door, and the hot dog and coke for a dime Saturday’s! Both Kris’ family and mine refused to but their meat anywhere else. Your dad was so friendly and kind to us.
Our community was richly blessed in many ways by your parents.
May the Lord comfort you with the hope of the resurrection and reunion of the faithful together in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Love and fond memories, Eric

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Barbara Brown Wood
February 16, 2015 at 1:26 pm

I grew up on South Rosemary and have many memories as a child of shopping at Goodrich’s when it was on St. Joe. They would even deliver! Gretchen and her mother often sang at school–such lovely voices. My deepest condolences to the family.

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