Ann Elizabeth Shumaker was a children's librarian
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.
Stories Posted This Week
Monday, October 26, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, October 19-25
- Ada Icon headlines, October 26
- November 13 fish fry at Emmanuel UCC
- Citizens National Bank customer appreciation day, October 30
- Bluffton University offers free agricultural and environmental field trips
- Trinity Trunk or Treat, October 31
- October 26 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Public invited to Bluffton Lions program with President Sider
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 24
- Are you a friend of the Bluffton Public Library?
- Weekend Doctor: What you need to know about flu season
- Courtney Linke joins CNB as VP Business Banking Officer
- Blanchard Valley Health System Announces Updates to Board of Trustees
- Blanchard Valley Health Foundation Announces Changes to Board of Directors
Friday, October 23, 2026
- Village of Bluffton announces late afternoon drill at Bluffton Schools, October 23
- Pirate volleyball eliminated in sectionals by Archbold
- Pirate boys soccer knocked off by Bath
- Main St. closure rescheduled; parapet work to take place Oct. 27
- Bluffton student to reflect on diabetes research experience
- Bluffton University receives $8,000 Stinner Summit award for youth agricultural and environmental education
- Elections matter, including midterms
Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 22
- ICAPP study: Ohioans strongly oppose data center expansion and tax breaks
- Pirate girls soccer ousts rival Allen East in sectionals
- Strawberry Fields Forever: Fruit polyphenols and brain health
- Last call for Bluffton Cars & Coffee for 2026
- Icon calendar gets a little more elbow room
- Bluffton Board of Education recap: Contracts for coaches and new bus driver
- Bluffton Lions Club update for October 2026
- Bluffton chamber photo competition display and reception announced
- Bluejays and buzzards catch the eye of this Accounting prof