Shirley Marie VanDenheuvel

Shirley VanDenheuvel, a 79 year old resident of Little Falls, passed away on July 31st, 2026, at St. Cloud Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on August 29th at Lindbergh Elementary School.

Shirley Marie Valentine was born to parents Dorine (Fuhrman) and Fred Valentine in Little Falls. Shirley grew up in Little Falls with her three siblings. She attended St. Francis Girls’ High School, graduating in 1964. After completing high school, Shirley began working as a bank teller at American National Bank. She also worked as a waitress at J&J Pizza, frequently bringing home pizzas to share with her family. In 1980, Shirley began working as a hall monitor (bouncer) at Little Falls Community High School, and this marked the start of her 46-year career at local schools. She adored the kids she worked with and was lovingly known as “Grandma Shirley” to 3 generations of students, former students, staff, and parents.

In her free time, Shirley enjoyed going to the casino and shopping at garage sales and thrift stores. She had a passion for photography and took many family photos and graduation photos, capturing memories for her loved ones. Shirley was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and even helped start the church bazaar. Shirley was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need and would always speak her mind. She had a good sense of humor and brought laughter and smiles everywhere she went.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Sharon (Serge) Andoh of Champlin, Russ (Nancy) VanDenheuvel of Bertha, Sheila VanDenheuvel of Little Falls, and Ryan (Laura) VanDenheuvel of Princeton; siblings, Marilyn (Joe) Borash of Center City, Betsy “Liz” Harris of Little Falls, and Jerome (Wendy) Valentine of Little Falls; grandchildren, Sarah, Kathryn, Father Joseph, Erica, Mark, Anna, and John; and great-grandchildren, Everett, Harper, Kamryn, Wrenley, Saige, Sawyer, Sienna, and Willa; many nieces and nephews.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; nephew Anthony (Tony) Borash; and many aunts and uncles.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Shirley.