Shirley Ann (Morken) Fatum

Shirley Ann Fatum (nee Morken), age 85, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2017 with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul J. Fatum MD (2008), as well as her parents, Edward and Alberta Morken and siblings, John Morken, Alice Hatfield Rundle and Richard Morken. She is survived by her devoted children, Mary Ann (Chris) Collins, Mark (Mary Kay) Fatum, Teresa Fatum and Monica (Steve) Edison; adoring grandchildren, Monica Brouwer, Ann Brouwer (fiancé Dan Wiltshire) and Beth (Shane) Courbier, Katie, Abby, and Paul Fatum, Madeline and Michael Shank, and Maggie and Grace Edison; great-grandsons, Lucas and Simon Courbier and Bobby Brouwer; brothers, Robert (Phyllis) Morken and Howard (Shirley) Morken and sister, Mary Jane (Donald) Dimberio; brother-in-law, Col. John J. “Jack” Fatum (Shirley) and many nephews and nieces. Shirley was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Ft. Wayne, IN and went on to have adventurous careers as both a fashion model and a flight attendant before she met and married the love of her life, Paul, and settled down to raise their family. Aside from her family, Shirley’s greatest passion in life was the game of golf. She did not start playing the game until she was in her late thirties, but in short order managed to be named as one of the most improved players in Golf Digest early in her career. She was a proud fifty-year member of Blythefield Country Club and Women’s Club Champion at Blythefield three times. She was very proud of her 2 holes-in-one, noting that she had more than the rest of many family members combined. At the age of 80, she was still at the top of her game and partnered to win the prestigious Pink Blazer Member-Member tournament.  Shirley was a devout Catholic who found strength throughout her life in her faith in God. This loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother will be missed by her family.  Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10:30 am Monday, September 11th at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. James Chelich presiding.   Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas the Apostle School Education Foundation. 

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