Betty Shull, wife of Gordon Shull, peacefully passed from her extraordinary life on July 12, 2020 at Wooster LifeCare. She was 94.
Clinical psychologist and counselor, church elder and presbyter, educator, choir member, volunteer, life-long learner, world traveler, Ohio Light Opera enthusiast, and devoted friend, wife, and mother, Betty’s brimming life was centered on her first love – people.
Betty Flabb Shull was born in Springfield, Illinois on May 15, 1926 to Fred and Gladys Flabb. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Park College, Missouri, and her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois (1950), where she met Gordon. They moved to Wooster in 1955 for Gordon’s job as Professor at the College of Wooster.
In 1956 Betty inaugurated the clinical counseling program at the College of Wooster where she served thousands of students, faculty, and staff for 37 years.
Her volunteer work was extensive and continued into her 90’s. It focused mainly on the First Presbyterian Church of Wooster where she held many leadership positions, including as director of its highly regarded Adult Education program.
She also served in the City of Wooster’s counseling service; supported her dear friend and colleague Dr. Viola Startzman in the Viola Startzman Clinic; and taught the Art of Listening course to volunteers in Wooster s LifeCare hospice for 30 years. After retirement, she and Gordon volunteered in Egypt with the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Programs, which promotes community-based development and education throughout the country.
Her long and blessed life touched people in positive ways. Her companionship, love of music, and warm laugh enriched her family and all who knew her. The life she made fuller for so many will live on in rich and happy memories.
Betty is survived by Gordon, her husband of almost 68 years, and sons Philip (Jill Bollom), David, and Andrew (Cheryl Rowland), five grandchildren, and countless loving friends.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church when it is possible for people of all ages to attend safely. Contributions in her memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 621 College Ave., Wooster, Ohio 44691, The College of Wooster, 1189 Beall Ave., Wooster, Ohio 44691, Viola Startzman Clinic, 1874 Cleveland Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691, Ohio s Hospice, LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691 or to The Ohio Light Opera, 1189 Beall Ave., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
Contributions in her memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 621 College Ave., Wooster, Ohio 44691, The College of Wooster, 1189 Beall Ave., Wooster, Ohio 44691, Viola Startzman Clinic, 1874 Cleveland Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691, Ohio s Hospice, LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691 or to The Ohio Light Opera, 1189 Beall Ave., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Service
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church when it is possible for people of all ages to attend safely.
Visitation
Betty was loved, admired, respected by so many, and her leadership and wisdom will be greatly missed. From her, I, and many others, have learned so much, especially about our relationships with others. The type of role model which Betty is and was doesn’t come along often. Deep sympathy combined with great memories to Gordon, Phil & Jill, David, Andy & Cheryl and grandkids. With love, Mimi
Dr Shull, as a Woo student from 1964 until graduation in 1968/1969, I was privileged to take two of your political sciences courses. I enjoyed your thought provoking lectures during a time of political unrest in the USA. I was also privileged to undergo several counseling sessions with Mrs Shull. She was very helpful to me as I resolved my problems during the stresses of college. God bless you both. Mrs Shull and you provided me with a lifetime of warm and kind memories.
Gordon & family – My sympathies on the passing of Betty. She was a strong and interesting woman, greatly dedicated to helping others. Am holding you all in my heart – Margo
Gordon and family –
My sympathies on the loss of Betty. She was an interesting and strong woman – and committed to helping others. Am holding you in my heart – Margo
Gordon and Family,
May your memories be your comfort in this time of loss. She was a wonderful woman. Bill
My condolences to the entire family. I cherished all my time with her and will remember her gentle humor, her insights, her knowledge, and the mentoring she provided me as we navigated mental health and church activities together. She will be missed by so many but her legacy will continue in the hearts of those whom she supported. Rest in peace, Betty.
I Will Surely Miss Her. She Was A Wonderful Person. Take Care Of Yourself Gordon.
Gordon and Family
I have missed having you as neighbors for the past few years. My condolences to all. Betty had a green thumb and always had colorful flowers blooming. We would talk while she was pruning. She was a wonderful person and I’m glad she was here for 94 years. Thinking of you Gordon. Jane
Your Mom was great God Bless hard time
My sympathies to everyone in the family, and now especially to Gordon. What a spectacular woman who was committed to her family, everyone and to Gordon, and to her community. So hard to say good bye to people who have been a part of my life and the community. I meet Betty 50 yers ago when we moved here. RIP.
Betty came into my life when I needed her most. She was a beacon of light that was filled with compassion, love and grace. Her laugh was pure joy. I loved our encounters because I would get updates on all the Shull family members. She so loved you all and beamed with pride when she talked of you. I hope all of your memories provide you comfort in the coming days. She was the best. ❤️
Gordon and family
Our condolences go out to all of you on the passing of Betty. Gordon and Betty were among the very first people we met when we were moving to Wooster. The welcoming hospitality that both of you showed us will always be appreciated. Betty was a charming, caring and warm person. She will remain in our thoughts.
Betty was the rock in the counseling center when I arrived at Wooster. She was extraordinarily compassionate and supportive of students. She was always finding ways to help them. She was also a remarkable colleague who regularly provided insightful comments to staff discussions. My lasting memory are the many stories I heard about the students whom Betty “saved”, that is those cases in which her support and assistance to individual students led to their persistence, success and graduation from the College. She was a treasure for the College. My sympathy to Gordon and the family.
Dear Gordon, You are in our prayers as you must feel such a void with Betty’s passing. May you grieve well in the sure hope of the resurrection.
Dear Mr. Shull,
I just learned of Mrs. Shull’s passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Shull helped me a great deal when I was a student at The College of Wooster. My memories of her are a blessing to me.