Ann Elizabeth Shumaker, age 90, formerly of Bluffton, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023 in Kirtland, Ohio. Due to failing health, she had recently relocated to northeast Ohio to be near her granddaughter, Beth.
Ann was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1932, the daughter of Harold and Lorena (Birky) Reusser. In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her brother Jim and sister-in-law Helen. She is survived by her three children: Tom (Ruth) Shumaker of Edgewood, KY; Regina Shumaker of Bluffton; and David (Amy) Shumaker of Simpsonville, SC; six grandchildren: Beth (Mike) Moses; Leah Shumaker; Stephanie (Brandon) Adams; Katy (Eric) Hair; Robert Shumaker; and Julia Shumaker; six great grandchildren: Bryan and Bailey Moses; Cory Webb; and Mackenzie, Nicholas, and Anderson Adams; her beloved sister Joan (Sam) Diller; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ann lived a life of loving kindness, a spiritual gift that blessed all who knew her. She met her future husband while a student at Bluffton College, graduating in 1955 with a degree in elementary education. She worked for many years as a children’s librarian for the Madison Public Library, sharing her lifelong passion for reading with countless children. Many a child would approach the “Library Lady” in the grocery store to share their excitement about a recent story time or a favorite children’s book. After retiring to Bluffton, she was a faithful member of First Mennonite Church, praying regularly for those in need, and spending much time in God’s Word.
A graveside service for Ann will be held at 11:00 a.m., March 4, 2023 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Bluffton. A celebration of her life will follow commencing at 12 noon at First Mennonite Church, 101 South Jackson Street, Bluffton with Pastor Phil Yoder officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Mennonite Church.
Matthew 25:21
Well done, thou good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
