Mary Shankleton

Mary Shankleton, née Kakoczki, passed away on September 25, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born on June 10, 1941, in Monroe, Michigan, and remained deeply connected to the community and way of life she loved.

A graduate of Monroe High School, Mary built a working life marked by dedication and service to others. She retired after years as a server and realtor, roles that reflected her hardworking nature and her ease in connecting with people. She brought warmth and energy to the lives she touched, and she will be remembered for the many simple joys that meant so much to her.

On May 19th, 1995 at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Mary would marry her love Randy Shankleton. Together they found happiness in the outdoors and in the everyday pleasures of home and companionship. She was a member of Pheasants Forever and had a special love for caring for wildlife. She enjoyed playing Euchre, trying her luck with the Michigan Lottery, and spending time gardening, especially tending to her flower gardens. These interests reflected her spirited personality and her appreciation for both nature and fellowship.

Above all, Mary cherished her family. She is survived by her son, Robert (Melissa) Shankleton, and her daughters, Toni (Rick) Sisung, Renatta (Tom) Cunningham, and Jeanette (Scott) Schultz. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Joseph Frederick, Kayla Schultz, Reagan Marovich, Tanner Schultz, Brian Shankleton, and Wyatt Shankleton. Her family continued to grow with the addition of her great-grandchildren, Finley, Ava, and Evelyn, who were part of a treasured younger generation she was proud to call her own.

Mary is also survived by her siblings, Marge Willets, Richard (Kathie) Kakoczki, Patricia Rousselo, and Gary (Denise) Kakoczki. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Randy Shankleton in January 2026; her father, John Kakoczki; her mother, Helen Kakoczki; and her daughter, Robin Sisung. Their memories remained part of her life and story, and she now rests reunited with those who went before her.

Family and friends may gather for visitation on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at The Liedel Chapel - Martenson Family Of Funeral Homes, 9061 Raisin St, Maybee, Michigan 48159. The funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the same location.

Mary will be remembered with love for her devotion to family, her enjoyment of life’s familiar pleasures, and the care she showed to the people and living things around her. Her memory will remain a lasting comfort to all who knew and loved her.