Susan E. Shanks' Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Susan Elaine Shanks, age 70, entered her Heavenly Home on Monday, February 27, 2017 while in the comfort of her Charleston home and in the loving presence of those nearest and dearest to her. Graveside Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston with Reverend Mike Wilder and Reverend David Colvin officiating. There will be no public visitation. It is requested that thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the American Diabetes Association. Gifts may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Susan was born in Danville, Illinois, the daughter of the late Roy and Florence (Jones) Shanks. Left to cherish her memory is Wanda Ruyle - their relationship began as student and teacher and flourished through the years culminating in that of a special bond shared as daughter and friend. She is also survived by Kelly Foust who was not only her caregiver but blessed her with the companionship of a warm and caring friend. In addition she is survived by a nephew, several nieces, her stepbrother and their families. In addition to her parents Susan was predeceased by her brother, Dennis Shanks and by Reverend Dean Ruyle who was a friend and father figure in her life. Susan was a graduate of Danville High School. She received her Bachelor's degree from Olivet Nazarene University and furthered her education at Eastern Illinois University where she received a Masters Degree as well as an Administrative Certificate in Education. She taught in Morris, Illinois before accepting a position with the Mattoon School District as an elementary and junior high school teacher. Twice, during her 25 years with the Mattoon School District, Susan was the recipient of the "Extra Mile Award" given by the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce. Susan was a member of the Ashmore Baptist Church as well as the National Education Association and the East Central Illinois Reading Association. She was a gifted artist who enjoyed acrylic painting, utilized her creativity as a crafter and loved exploring her culinary skills in the kitchen. Susan took great pleasure in traveling with Dean and Wanda and was always in search of ways in which to use her travels as teaching tools in the classroom. Susan was a blessing to the many students whose lives she touched during her teaching career as well as her closest of friends and family. SERVICES Graveside Service Thursday, March 02, 2017 1:00 PM Roselawn Cemetery West Route 316 Charleston, IL 61920
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