of Allegan went home to her Heavenly Father on Saturday, January 15, 2011. Ms. Shine was born in Cadillac, Michigan on November 6, 1929 to Milton D. and Alice M. (Fruik) Shine. In 1951 her mother, Alice, wed Clarence "Swede" Olson, who then became Ms. Shine's stepfather. Ms. Shine graduated from Cadillac High School in 1947. She became an assistant librarian at the Cadillac Public Library, and also worked at Taisin's Drugstore. Gloria continued her education at Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada, and received her Teaching Certificate from County Normal. After relocating to Grand Rapids in the mid 1950's, Ms. Shine was employed as Office Manager for Joseph Martin, Esq. She became well known in the catering industry for her pastry expertise in artistically inspired wedding cakes. An avid reader, Ms. Shine became a collector of first edition novels, frequenting rare and antique bookstores during her travels throughout the United States and England. Her love for music was apparent to all who knew her. As a soprano, Gloria was a well-known soloist within the churches she attended. Ms. Shine moved to Allegan in the mid 1960's where she pursued her dream as an educator. Her teaching career with Allegan Public Schools began in 1967 in unincorporated schoolhouses scattered throughout the county. She began teaching kindergarten through sixth grade levels as her travels took her to many of the one and two-room schoolhouses including Blackman and Clifford. and Dawson. During this time she went on to receive her Master's Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. Gloria excelled in teaching children of all ages, and was well known for her work with Head Start programs as well as with children of all ages affected by Down's syndrome. Yet, her true delight came in working in the early grades where her goal was to ensure that every child would learn to read. Ms. Shine's expertise as a First Grade Teacher began at Pine Trails Elementary School and would continue until her retirement in 1986. Of utmost importance to Gloria was that she shared the story of Jesus, so that the children would come to love Him as she did - as many would say, one of her greatest accomplishments as a devout Christian. In later years she would fondly recall the highlight of her teaching career: combining her expertise in education with children's ministry as she traveled to Venezuela, teaching at a Christian school near Caracas. Gloria considered this to have been the greatest adventure of her life. Having the heart of a servant, Gloria spent many years of her life serving at Merson Church where she developed the pre-school program and Pioneer Girls. She directed Bible Schools, and both wrote and directed dramatic presentations for Spring Fest as well as for other church activities. Gloria's broad knowledge and vast experience in children's ministries were incorporated by other churches, including those pastored by her stepfather, Swede Olson. Her love of cooking led her to spend summers as a chef for Camp Kaskitowa and Child Evangelism Fellowship. Gloria's expertise in recipe creation led to her coordination and publication of cookbooks for both the Allegan school system and Merson Church. Gloria will be best remembered by her love for life and the Lord. Her enthusiasm, giving spirit, and outreach to others in need will continue to bless hearts everywhere. The joy that she shared with all truly is encompassed by the words of Galatians 5:22-23a: "The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and temperance". May we all consider her life as our challenge to follow in her steps as we press towards the goal to meet her once again at the feet of Jesus Christ. Gloria Shine is survived by brother, Bill of New Port Richey, Florida, and sisters Joan (Mrs. Gail Pike) of Gobles, and Ginger Olson of Tampa, Florida. Nephews and nieces who share in the love for their Aunt Gloria are Bill Pike, Linda (Mrs. Mike) Phillips, Sharon Vermeulen, and Mark Baylor, as well as great nieces and nephews Megan (Mrs. Mitar Rudanovic), Matthew, Meredith, Mike, Manda, Molly, Mitchell, Morgan, Marc Reece, and Mindy Phillips, Keith Pike, and Alice, Adrian, and A.J. Vermeulen. A Celebration of Life honoring Ms. Shine will be held Saturday, February 5 at 11:00 a.m. at Merson Church in Gobles, Michigan. Officiating will be Pastor Alan Carson, Jr., Youth Pastor Jim Davis, and Pastor Emeritus Gail Pike. In lieu of flowers, Ms. Shine's wishes were that memorial contributions be made to Merson Church Children's ProgramMinistries, 3313 102nd Avenue, Gobles, MI 49055, or Wings of Hope Hospice Benevolent FundGAPS Program, 530 Linn St. #A, Allegan, MI 49010. Arrangements are by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel.