Shirley May Vallad, better known as “Ma Vallad”, of Sears, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Corewell Health RNC in Reed City, where she was lovingly cared for. Ma had a way with people and you just knew you had to love her and let her care. She was a few days shy of her 89th birthday.

She was born May 31, 1937 In Breedsville, Michigan to Orie and Lavern Ruth (Shields) Withey. She resided in Bath, where she started raising her family and was a homemaker. However, throughout the years when it was necessary to work she didn’t hesitate to try something new as a bus driver or janitor. She worked for Oldsmobile and Motor Wheel in Lansing and as a CNA at Saint Lawrence and Sparrow Hospitals. In her later years, she was more of a councelor than a bartender in the Evart area at the: Eagles, Moose Lodge, Evart Lounge, and the Log Cabin on M-115.

Shirley always had an open door, listening ear and warm meal for those around her, any straggler she might come across, or the kids might bring home.

It was a defining moment in Shirley’s life when she married Harold Vallad - this is when she truly became “Ma”. In that roll she excelled and made the family whole. Teaching them that family is unconditional and showing them the value of love, forgiveness, determination, and hard work.

Ma is survived by- children, Steve Barnett, Connie (Dick) Andersen, John Barnett, Yvonne Gilland, Todd Barnett, Mark (Terri) Barnett, Buck (Brandy) Vallad, Roger Vallad, Rhonda (Steve) Fishburn, Ranae Vallad, Ronn (Dawn) Vallad, Eldora (Squawker) Vallad, Chuckie Baker, Jeff (Peggy) Jefferies, Terri (Steve) Crego of and Roberta (Chuck) Swales; 41 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, at least one great-great grandchild and numerous extended family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Orie Withey and Lavern (Withey) Corbin; four children Dawn Cook, Tina Baldwin, Randy and Rodney Vallad; grandson, Brett Barnett, two granddaughters, Amanda and Shannon Lucas and three brothers, Bob (Adella), Ed (Rose) and Leonard Withey.

For all of those that made Ma Vallad feel comfortable and cared for at Papa’s Place and the RNC, know that she felt the love and we have all been blessed to have had you in her life. Thankyou….the friendship reaches far past today.

A life celebration is being planned for later this summer.

Memorial contributions in Ma’s name can be made to the Humane Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Corey Funeral Home, Evart, MI. Condolences can be left online at www.coreyfuneralhome.com