Deborah Ann Shaw's Obituary
Big Rapids - Deborah Ann Shaw, 71, of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
She was born June 16, 1952, in Battle Creek, MI, the daughter of Arthur and Marian (Rainey) Raab, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1970. Deb earned her Associate's Degree in Business from Ferris State College, and began her career at Ferris as a secretary where she progressed through a number of departments and colleges. She retired in 1998 as the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the College of Optometry.
Deb was a fun, loving, kind, thoughtful person, and cared about people. She loved her friends and family, and in her later days she used social media (FB) to lift, encourage, and bring a smile to her friends and relatives. Making friends was easy for Deb, and she made many wherever she went. They enjoyed her laughter, jokes, and positive sense of humor. Deb knew the difference between right and wrong and was never bashful to stand up for her values in her work, community, play, and was never afraid to stand down a bully. She was a perfectionist and took pride in helping students, a neighbor, a friend and positioning herself on the side of what's right.
Deb enjoyed motor coach traveling of the continental United States and Canada. Going from as far north to the furthest south, and the furthest west to the furthest east coasts. She also enjoyed the comfort of her seasonal homes in Michigan and Palm Springs, California. Deb had a passion for birding, Ferris sports, Michigan football, and IndyCar racing.
She is survived by her brothers Leslie and Phillip (Michele) Raab; her sister-in-law Nena Raab; friend Dick Shaw; the Rhoades family; and many nieces and nephews. Deb was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Jerry, David, and Ron Raab, her Aunt Nina and Uncle Art Schroeder, and cousin Art Schroeder.
A Celebration of Deb's life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Fund for Ferris at https://igfn.us/form/rTsVmQ. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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