Shirley Mae Bullinger, a daughter of Louis and Hazel (Hall) Zorn, was born on March 11, 1931 on the family farm near Gardena.  She grew up there and graduated from Gardena High School in 1949.  She then attended Minot State University.  On June 1, 1951, she married Ralph Bullinger at the Zion Lutheran Church in Gardena.  They made their home in Gardena.  Shirley taught school for a couple years and later worked as a teacher's aide.  In 1963, they moved onto a farm west of Gardena.  Shirley worked as a secretary at the Bottineau Good Samaritan Center for a time.  In 1990, they moved into Bottineau.  Ralph passed away on April 7, 1991.  Shirley remained in Bottineau and moved into the Bottineau Good Samaritan Center in 2014.

She was a lifetime member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Gardena where she was baptized, confirmed and served as organist.  She has been a member of the LWML since 1956.  In 2006, she became a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Bottineau.  She volunteered with Tri County Meals and wrote the Gardena News for the Bottineau Courant for 41 years.

Shirley enjoyed bowling in her younger years, was an avid card player, and always liked a good cup of black coffee. Not to forget the candy/cookies or pink peppermints that she always had on hand when people came to visit.   Grandma Shirley was the name that she was often called, even if she wasn't your grandma. She was the sweetest, most kind and generous woman. She never sugarcoated anything, just told it like it was. This is what we loved about her because you always knew where she stood.  Shirley's legacy of love for her family and her faith will be carried on through all that were blessed enough to know her.

Shirley passed away Monday, June 25, 2018 at a Bottineau nursing home.

She is survived by 3 sons, Timothy (Paulette) Bullinger of Bismarck; Daniel (Dianna) Bullinger of Bottineau and David (Robin) Bullinger of Bottineau; 10 grandchildren, Teresa (Brian) Hauser of Minot, Michelle (Josh) Gerrity of Bismarck, Jason (Heather) Bullinger of Bismarck, Justin Bullinger of Velva, Karissa (Cameron) Moe, Burlington, Nathan (Tammy) Jensen, Westminster, CO, Melissa (TJ) Stewart of Minot, Kodi (Josieh) Handeland of Bottineau, Colton (Lacey) Bullinger of Mandan and Mackenzie (John) Niemczyk of Bemidji;  16 great grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Bierman of Newburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Mark Bullinger; sister, Nina Wilson and brothers, Everett and Lester Zorn.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to the Bottineau Good Samaritan Center and St. Andrew's Hospital in Bottinea u.