of Clarkston, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 22, 2016 at 68 years of age. Beloved wife of Charles Shires for 43 years; loving mother of Nick (Angela) Shires, Brad (Becky) Shires, and Lissa (Doug) Minke; proud grandmother of Aiden, Cole, Vaughn, Ella, Jack, Stella, Grant and Nolan. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Gladys Krutka. Dear sister of Joanne (Paul) Ranville, the late Judy (Mike) Drsquo;Antoni and the late David Krutka. Mary Ellen was born in Flint, MI on July 2, 1947. She attended Ainsworth High School before graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in education. Mary Ellen worked as a teacher for Waterford Public Schools for 30 years, where she met her husband and the love of her life, Charlie. She had a passion for helping those in need while working in special education and adult education. She was an avid gardener and loved nature and the outdoors. Mary Ellen also enjoyed quilting and made many blankets and stockings for her grandchildren. She loved baking, relaxing on the beach and taking trips up north, but most of all she loved her family.