Vera E. (Stoops) Shew

Vera E. Shew

1928 – 2023

Vera E. Shew, wife of E. Stanley Shew (1928 – 2022), passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 25th.  She was 94 years old.  She grew up on her family’s farm in Sheridan, Indiana as the youngest of 5 children and followed 3 siblings to Purdue University where she majored in home economics with a minor in Spanish.  She and Stan met while working in the Windsor dining halls at Purdue where their friendship and pranks ultimately turned into a 70- plus year love story.  They married in 1953 after he returned from his military service in Korea, and he started farming with his father (Loren) and brother (Ray) in Clinton.  Shortly after, they had 4 children who survive her including, Ed (Elizabeth) of Clinton, IN; David (Susan) of Napa, CA; Mark (Lori) of Terre Haute, IN; and Ellen Shew Holland (Bob) of Dallas, TX.  She also was “Mom” to several children of her close friends and exchange students. 

Vera was a retired teacher and taught Spanish and home economics at Clinton High School and South Vermillion High School for almost 30 years.  She was most proud of her work developing a foreign exchange student program that included students from Spain, Mexico, Columbia, Peru, and Brazil.  They ultimately hosted over 20 exchange students with varying stays throughout her career.  In 1984, Vera was honored as the Indiana Teacher of the Year for Spanish.  She was a member of the Clinton First United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Tri Kappa Sorority of Clinton.  Early in her career she worked as a county extension agent and was involved in 4-H judging. She also enjoyed a good snowfall, a challenging puzzle, playing cards, and a warm fireplace with family and friends.

In retirement, she and Stan enjoyed travel and spending time with family including 7 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.  In addition, she is survived by her in-laws, Ray & Gayle Shew, Lanny & Nola Shew, and by several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Stan, who passed away in November of 2022, a daughter-in-law, Carol, and grandson, Jeff.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be considered to the Clinton First United Methodist Church or the Vermillion County Community Foundation, ATTN: E. Stanley and Vera Shew Unrestricted Fund, P.O. Box 532, Clinton, IN  47842.  Donations may also be made online at: www.wicf-inc.org.

Visitation will be at Frist Funeral Home on Thursday November 30, 2023, from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Service at 1:00pm with Pastor Tom Barnett officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Online Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.fristfuneralhome.com

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