Shirley Jean Moench (Trago) age 91 of Holland, Michigan passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Freedom Village in Holland.
One of 13 siblings, Shirley was born on November 6, 1934, in Jackson, Ohio to David and Carrie Morris (Trago). Shirley was working as the head operator for the Telephone Company when she met Lester Karl Moench Jr., the love of her life. Shirley and Les were married on December 16, 1961, during the height of the Berlin Crisis. They enjoyed nearly 57 years of marriage before his passing in Marion, Ohio on October 20, 2018.
Shirley enjoyed family more than anything. She was an amazing wife, mother, mother in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister in-law, and aunt. She made an effort to be a part of all their lives. She also loved to bring family and friends together by hosting and preparing all her/our favorite dishes. Shirley loved reading, travel, playing golf, the arts, shopping at Talbots, and having lunch with her friends. She always handled herself with grace and looked great doing it.
Shirley was preceded in death by 6 sisters, Doloris Hill, Eleanor Carter, Mary Beatty, Nancy Stevens, Carrie Trago, and Sue Moyer; 5 brothers, David “Dickie”, Paul, James, Steve, and John “Bill” Trago; 3 sister in-laws, Phyllis Egan, Louise Schurtz, and Janie Kaeser; and 2 brother in-laws, Gordon and Timothy Moench.
Shirley is survived by two sons, Ken (Shelly) Moench of Holland, Michigan, and Gregg (Penny) Moench of Bangor, Michigan; five grandchildren, Jacob (Jenny), Nicholas, William, Alexandria, and Abigail (Lewis) Williams; six great grandchildren, Piper, Everett, James, Vincent, Nico, and Penelope; her brother Tom (Joan) Trago; her sister in-law Debbie (Dave) DeWees; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Shirley will be reunited with Les as she is laid to rest at Union Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, August 20 at 1pm. Family and loved ones are welcome to attend and share your love and respect. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home
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