Evelyn Schut

Schut, Evelyn Mae (laVine) A loving mother, grandmother and friend, Evelyn Schut passed away on December 21, 2020, at the age of 92 after a well lived life and a short illness. She was born in Sparta, MI, on May 11, 1928, and grew up in a loving family with parents Hilding and Mabel LaVine, sister Bette and brother Bud. She attended Sparta schools, excelling in basketball and serving as Senior Class President. Working her way through college with summer jobs at Harbor Springs resorts, she graduated from Michigan State University in 1951. She was a career woman who worked as a fashion buyer for JL Hudson in Detroit and LW Robinson in Battle Creek before bumping into high school classmate Almon Lee Schut, and marrying him in 1955. When Al completed his ophthalmology residency, they settled in Kalamazoo in 1960. After enjoying many summers on Gull Lake, they fulfilled a dream of building a house and moved the family there in 1974. Ev's ability to transform a yard into a beautifully landscaped work of art was just one of many interests that defined her purpose-driven life. She tirelessly served others. Family and friends near and far were recipients of her photography, gifts for every occasion, Christmas pretzels and a helping hand whenever needed. If you were a friend of Evelyn's, you were sure to have received cards letting you know she was thinking of you! In addition to taking an active role in her children's and then grandchildren's young lives, she was involved in the Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine, Loaves and Fishes and Kalamazoo First Presbyterian Church (FPC). Her 57-year membership in FPC is remembered with a lengthy list of volunteer activities and the humble moment when she received an Honorary Life Membership for her service. While she and Al traveled the world, she was happiest spending time with family and friends, and hosting her legendary parties. Due to pandemic restrictions, the family is planning to celebrate Ev's life when flowers are blooming and long hugs are permitted. She will be cremated and her ashes placed in the columbarium at First Presbyterian Church. She loved and was loved by her husband, Dr. Al Schut, and son, Daniel Drew Schut, who both preceded her in death, her son David (Suzanne) Schut of Farmington Hills, daughter Suzy Schut of Burlington, N.C., daughter-in-law Shari Schut of Kalamazoo, her sister Bette Karr of Grand Rapids and brother-in-law LaVerne (Sharon) Schut of Sparta. Her grandchildren Katie, Morgan, Jacob and Evan (Amanda) were her pride and joy. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Bud, and was well loved by her many nieces, nephews and extended family. Now, God has called her Home. Ecclesiastes 12:7 "And dust returns to the earth as it was and the spirit to God who first gave it." The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Kalamazoo First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.