Stanley "Vernon" Shutts' Obituary
SHUTTS, Stanley “Vernon,” age 97, of Lake Placid, FL and formerly of Waynesville, OH, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
Vernon was born to Harold and Ruth Shutts in Waynesville, OH, on May 4, 1927. He graduated from Waynesville High School, class of ’45. After graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps and honorably served during WWII. Upon returning home, he attended Ohio State University but returned to Waynesville to help on the family farm. He enjoyed being a farmer most of his life and was a member of the Young Farmer’s Association. In August 1953, he married the love of his life, Ruth. She knew they would be together forever the first time they went bowling, as he came across very kind and patient. He worked as Waynesville’s mail carrier for nearly 20 years, where he retired in 1987. Always working with his hands, he was an excellent carpenter, created many furniture items for family members and friends, and even built several houses. For many years, he was a trustee and lifelong member of the Waynesville United Methodist Church. After retirement, Vernon and his wife found their home in Lake Placid, FL, where they have been residing for the last 30-plus years. For over 22 years, he helped build more than 60 houses for Habitat For Humanity in Highland County, FL. He had been attending Lakeview Christian Church in Lake Placid, and when traveling to Petoskey, MI, they would regularly attend the Petoskey United Methodist Church.
Quiet and humble with a dry sense of humor, Vernon would always slip in little nuggets of humor when people least expected it. He was very organized, loving, and caring, and was known as the peacemaker. He was especially good when trying to raise four daughters in the “petticoat corner,” knowing how to get each of them to excel to their best potential. His family was everything to him, and his love for them was his pride and joy. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially if that meant fishing with his girls at Pickerel Lake near Petoskey, MI. It was a family tradition for Vernon and Ruth to host the holidays and birthdays at their house. Vernon was well known for having cherry pie for his birthday. Family gatherings were a highlight because it meant the family would be playing cards together, and they usually alternated between five different card games. They especially enjoyed family gatherings in their cottage on Pickerel Lake in Michigan. Spending time at the cottage was a multigenerational tradition for over 90 years. The family enjoyed many grillouts, card games, and picnics. Each year, they enjoyed at least one picnic with the whole family, which became a tradition at the lake. One year, it was raining so bad that they couldn’t enjoy the picnic, so they ended up continuing the tradition in their garage. Vernon enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, hunting mushrooms in the spring, and bowling, especially competitive games with his grandson, John. Among many things, he will be remembered for his love of his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ruth Shutts; three brothers, Marion, Warren, and Malcolm Shutts; sister, Ellen Locke; and lifelong friends, Edwin and Alberta Surface. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Ruth; four daughters, Anne (Michael) Borgerding, Kay (Oleg) Batchikov, Susan Johnson (fiancé Dave Ison), and Pam (Chris) Inman; four grandchildren, Jessica Starin, John (Kristin) Starin, Krystal (Chris Asher) Kerr, and Jeanette Starin; and four great-grandchildren, Lexi Starin, Winnie Asher, Robert Asher, and Tyler Starin.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 7, at Waynesville United Methodist Church. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 PM at the church. Pastor Joni Manson will be officiating the services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hearts to Missions at Lakeview Christian Church in Lake Placid, Waynesville United Methodist Church, or Petoskey United Methodist Church. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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