Ralph L. Shute Sr., 92, of Cambridge City, Indiana, went peacefully to be with the Lord on November 26, 2020. He was born on February 2, 1928, in Richmond Indiana, to Leslie M. and Pearl (Coffman) Shute. He was the third of five children. He graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1946, and served as class president. Growing up he worked for local farmers and at his dad’s grocery store in Williamsburg. After high school, he attended Ball State University, graduating in 1950, with a Bachelors of Science in Education and while at Ball State, joined the Navajo Fraternity. He later returned to Ball State to complete his Masters degree. During his college years, he would hitch hike back and forth from Muncie to Richmond to work at the The Hoosier Store, and at Crosley prior to beginning his first year of teaching in Etna Green. On September 2, 1950, he married the love of his life, Billie Dove Neal of Bluefield W. Va. and moved to Warsaw, IN, to begin his life long career in education. Throughout his almost 40 years in education, he served as a principal, teacher, athletic director, basketball and baseball coach. He taught and coached basketball at Webster High School where in February 1955, he coached the Webster Pirates to their first victory of the season defeating Milton Sharp Shooters in a double over time thriller winning 55-53. He taught at Fountain City School prior to teaching at Milton High School, where he became principal from 1959-1964. When Milton High School Sharp Shooters consolidated with Cambridge City Wampus Cats, he was instrumental in naming the new school now known as Lincoln High School, home of the Golden Eagles. He was a principal and athletic director in Lewisville, IN, from 1964-1967. When the surrounding county schools combined, he helped create what is now known as Tri High Titans. He went on to Bentonville Elementary as a 6th grade teacher and principal and when Bentonville closed, he relocated to Fayette Central where he continued to teach elementary, driver’s education, and coach intramural sports before retiring from Fayette County School Corp. in 1990. After retirement, he continued his service in education as a substitute teacher at Western Wayne Elementary for several years, well into his 70’s. He devoted his life to serving and giving to others and volunteering in various organizations. He was an active member of the Milton United Methodist Church and served as a lay minister and elder. He was a member of the the Milton Masonic Lodge for 61 years, and in 2009, his son Tad had the honor of pinning him with his 50 year pin. He was an active senior member of the Cambridge City Evening Kiwanis for over 26 years and served as club president in 1997 and represented the local club at the International Kiwanis Convention in Montreal, Cananda. He served his local township for many years by serving as president of the Mt. Auburn Town Board and served on the Western Wayne Regional Sewage District Board. He enjoyed painting, roofing, yard work, gardening, and being outside and had a love for planes, attending Dayton Airshows and going to the Air Force Museum. As an avid sports enthusiast he enjoyed watching IU basketball, Colts football, and Lincoln Eagle basketball. Most importantly, he loved spending time with family and treasured every minute. He was truly a role model showing his love for his family, hard work during his career, and his service to the Lord and community. His many attributes for love of family, faith in God, and life long lessons have been passed down through many generations and will continue to live on through his family and those who knew him.
He is survived by his five children: Angela (Brian Cates) of Modoc, IN, Aimee (Dean) Haggard of Losantville, IN, Tad (Angie) Shute of Cambridge City, Jenny (Rick) Weisbrod of Cumming, GA, Chris Shute of Carmel. He was blessed with nine grandchildren:Tyler (Cortney) Cates, Logan (Leslie) Cates, Natalie (Cates) Winegardner (Tyler), Spencer (Kyndra) Haggard, Taylor Shute, Carmen Shute, Parker Weisbrod, Paxton Weisbrod, and Lance Shute, and seven great grandchildren: Zoey Shute, Beckett Winegardner, Piper Cates, Ryker Winegardner, Knox Haggard, Alaya Shute, and Kynlee Haggard. He leaves behind his brother David Shute and sister Janice Shute, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Billie Dove, his parents, a brother Marion Shute, and sister Norma Sittloh.
A private family service will be held on Thursday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m. and a graveside service will be held immediately following at South Lawn Cemetery in Dublin. Friends and family may call on Wednesday, December 2, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.at Marshall & Erlewien Funeral Home, 1993 Cumberland Street (U.S. 40) in Dublin, with Masonic Service at 7:00. As a reminder, the government mandate requires guests to wear masks when inside our building. We are limited to a capacity of 25 guests at a time, please practice social distancing and please keep your visit brief.
Memorial contributions can be made to Western Wayne Dollars for Scholars, in memory of Ralph Shute, Sr, Cambridge City Public Library or local organization of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences can be made at www.marshallanderleweinfuneralhome.com