Shirley Ann (Alling) Sajtar

Shirley Ann (Alling) Sajtar, 93, died peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024, with her family at her side at The Oaks of North Pointe Woods.

Shirley was born September 3, 1930, to Howard Lee and Matilda Mae (Baird) Alling in Battle Creek, Michigan. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1948 and married her high school sweetheart, Joseph N. Sajtar, on July 3, 1949, at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. She resided in Battle Creek, MI. and Kearney, NE. (1983-1989) She was employed at the Enquirer and News before raising their family and later as a teacher’s aide at Franklin Elementary with Battle Creek Public Schools.

Surviving are Shirley’s three children, Sally (Carl) McCune of Battle Creek, Gail (Roger) Summerfield of Lansing, MI, and Dan (Francesca) Sajtar of Palm Springs, CA; seven grandchildren, Doug, Steven, Karen, Matt, Josh, Molly, and Jake; three great-grandchildren, Ruth, Gideon and Rowan and several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.  Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joseph N. Sajtar; granddaughter, Melissa K. Sajtar; sisters, Marilyn Wajda and Joan Greenman; and brother, Eugene Alling.

Shirley was an active member of First Presbyterian Church for over 75 years where she served as deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher and on various committees.  She was also active in the First Presbyterian Church of Kearney, NE (1983-1989). Shirley was moderator, circle leader for Elizabeth Circle and attended many Churchwide Gatherings with Presbyterian Women.  She was active in Church Women United where she was honored as a Valiant Woman of the Year.  Shirley volunteered with Community/Bronson Battle Creek Hospital for many years and served as Chairman of the Gift Shop.  She enjoyed being active in the PTA at her children’s schools as well as volunteering at Pennfield Schools and at The Salvation Army Soup Kitchen with friends.

Shirley loved being with her family for holiday meals, camping, gathering at the Turkey Farm, marveling at the animals at Binder Park Zoo-especially the prairie dogs, playing games and taking vacations with Sally’s family. While living in Kearney, NE she began oil painting and created beautiful pieces of art her family now cherishes. Shirley loved feeding God’s birds and critters and enjoyed flowers right down to the last petal. 

Shirley loved people. She never met a stranger - only a potential friend. She chatted in line at the grocery store or while waiting for an appointment.  She always saw the good in people and, more importantly, the God in people. A few years ago, I watched her come out of the post office and ask a young man about the meaning of his tattoos. He proceeded to describe them to her.  Yes, she saw the God in people, and especially in each one of us. Let us all honor her memory by doing the same.

Friends will be received 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm Friday, January 26, 2024, at Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home.  A service celebrating Shirley’s life will be officiated by Rev. Patricia Weatherwax and Rev. Lorenzo Small, Sr. 11 am, Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, 111 Capital Avenue NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by visiting www.firstpresbc.org, following that link click "watch now". A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. A private family committal will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. Personal messages may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.