Mary Ann Shoemaker

Mary Ann Gephardt Shoemaker, 92, of Anderson, went home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 16, 2018, peacefully, at her residence. She was born on September 8, 1925, in Anderson, the daughter of the late Dr. Ralph and Clara Gephardt. Mary Ann is survived by her husband of over 67 years, Robert W. Shoemaker Jr., whom she married in Anderson on July 15, 1950; four children, Robert Shoemaker III of Gettysburg, Pa., Ann Shoemaker of Anderson, Sara Smith of Indianapolis, and Janet (Mark) Rutan of Lafayette. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Jarrod (Alicia) Shoemaker, Jenna Parker, Martha (Alan) Murphy, Jake Shoemaker, Danielle (Sam) Willis, Alex (Tiffany) Smith, Reed (Miriam) Smith, Neil (Erin) Rutan, Craig (Kara) Rutan, Luke (Keely) Rutan; and 5 great-grandchildren, London and Livia Smith, Scarlett Smith, and Nolan and Norah Rutan. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brothers, Dr. David Gephardt, Thomas Gephardt and son-in-law, Jeff Smith. Mary Ann graduated from Anderson High School in 1943 and Indiana University in 1947 with a B.A. in Spanish. She was a proud lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority after being initiated in 1944. During the summer months she worked at the Anderson Bulletin newspaper as a proof reader and social editor. After college and before marriage, she taught English for 3 years at North Anderson Jr. High School. Mary Ann’s activities after marriage included being a member of Tri Kappa sorority and First Presbyterian Church, where for many years she taught youth and adult Sunday School classes and volunteered in the library. Other clubs included Early Americana Club, Mid Century Club, and Current Events Club. Mary Ann especially loved the 13 years she was involved in Bible Study Fellowship. She had a passion to learn and know God’s Word. She took great joy in keeping in touch with lifetime friends through letters and birthday cards as well as helping “older” ladies to and from church and Bible studies. During her 50’s she loved to play tennis and watch tennis tournaments on TV, which she continued to do till the end. Mary Ann’s passion for reading was illustrated by the over 1,000 books she read since recording them in 1986. Mary Ann and Robert traveled extensively around the world while Robert served as a Director of Rotary International. But her heart was always first and foremost for her family and home. In her later years, she loved to spend time with Robert at their lake house in North Webster, Ind. Mary Ann will always be remembered for her high-spiritedness, her sense of humor, her ability to whistle like none other, her high moral character and her enthusiasm for life. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at the Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory with Rev. Kevin Bausman officiating. A private burial will be held. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are encouraged to CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) Neil Rutan, 3304 South 11th Street, Lafayette, IN., 47909 or the Animal Protection League or the Madison County Humane Society.