Ralph S. Shutes

Ralph Sidney Shutes, born on September 22, 1933, to Myron and Iva Shutes (nee Porter)  in Schoolcraft, Michigan passed away on February 4, 2023 at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, Michigan. 

Ralph was a graduate of Schoolcraft High School and was drafted into the United States Army on January 6, 1954, where he spent 2 years in active duty and then four years in the reserves. Ralph was a hard worker always receiving perfect attendance awards and loved by his coworkers and managers.  His first job was working for his father at his feed mill and later making deliveries for the mill.  Ralph loved a good road trip and went on to drive for Graff/Davis trucking for many years, until he was offered a desk job as the dispatcher. He also became a Sheriff’s Reserve officer during that time.   In 1981 Ralph moved to Las Vegas because of the booming economy, the beautiful weather, the bingo and of course the palm trees.  He was able to put his reserve Sherriff Certificate to use and secured a position as a security guard for the Flamingo Hilton Hotel, where he retired from.  After retirement, he moved back to Kalamazoo and worked at the Schoolcraft Auto Auction for over 20 years. Ralph was also a father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be missed beyond reason.   

While visiting www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Ralph’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Shutes family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. (269) 679-5622.