Shirley Jane Trinkle, age 90, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on June 24, 2026, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor in Superior Township. She was born October 28, 1935, in Scio Township, Michigan, the daughter of Homer and Margery (Robards) Parker.
Shirley was raised on the family farm on Parker Road in Dexter and graduated from Dexter High School in 1953. She spent her entire life in Washtenaw County.
On September 19, 1959, she married Ralph E. Trinkle. They shared 37 years of marriage before his passing in 1996. They raised their family on a farm in Chelsea, and they encouraged their children as they raised fair animals. Shirley also worked for many years as an administrative assistant with Washtenaw County Mental Health.
Shirley enjoyed trips to the casino, cheering on Michigan football, and attending the Chelsea Community Fair, especially Ladies Day. Some of her favorite memories were made during family parties at the Parker farm. She took great joy in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending time with them and following their activities.
Shirley is survived by her children, Daniel (Kim) Trinkle and Deborah (Steve) Slocum; grandchildren: Christopher (Katie) Trinkle, Kylie Slocum (fiancé Mike Ball), Heather (Joel) Powers, and Jason (Stevie) Trinkle; and her great-grandchildren: Darlyn, Wade, Ellie, and Trenton Trinkle; Lucas and Ryker Powers; and James and Paul Trinkle; a sister, Evelyn Fiegel; and sister-in-law, Helen Parker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ralph, a daughter, Margery Trinkle; her sisters, Grace Diuble, Lois Trinkle, and Irene Warner; and a brother, Stanley Parker.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair Ladies Day.
