Lois Rash Shumaker

Lois Rash Shumaker, 77, of Olin, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Born on July 22, 1948, Lois was the daughter of the late Gurney Rash and Eunice Henderson Rash.

A graduate of Union Grove School, Lois continued her education at Mitchell Community College, where she earned an Associate of Science degree. She later graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She was a member of Smith Chapel and also attended Grassy Knob Baptist Church.

Lois lived a life centered on faith, family, music, and service to others. She deeply loved her family and treasured every moment spent with them. An accomplished musician, she enjoyed playing the guitar and autoharp and competed in numerous music festivals, earning many first-place blue ribbons. She found great joy in teaching music and clogging to young people and was a proud member of both the Rocky Creek Cloggers and the Little Country Cloggers.

Her interests reflected her vibrant spirit and zest for life. Lois enjoyed fishing, traveling, snow skiing, carving pumpkins, watching Hee Haw, spending time outdoors, and appreciating the beauty of nature. She valued her friendships, enjoyed staying connected through Facebook, and took a genuine interest in encouraging and supporting young adults. Above all, she cherished her grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Lois devoted her professional life to education and the success of her students. She began her career at North Iredell High School, where she taught Anatomy, Physiology, and Biology and coached girls’ softball and basketball. Later, she transitioned into school counseling before completing her career as Assistant Principal at Mulberry Alternative School. She will be remembered by countless students and colleagues for her dedication, encouragement, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 54 years, Robert “David” Shumaker; her son, Jason Shumaker (Jennie); her daughter, Amanda Coleman; her grandchildren, Kiah Mathis and Wyatt Coleman; her son-in-law, Scott Coleman; her brothers, J.B. Rash, Allen Rash, and Franklin Rash (Beverly); her sisters, Helen Shumaker (Edward), Louise Dowell (Lyman), and Glenda Cass; her sisters-in-law, Jane H. Rash and Marilyn Rash; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will lovingly remember her.

In addition to her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her sisters, Alice Lavon Rash and Evadean Lippard (Clyde); her brothers, Harold Rash and Lynn Rash; and her sisters-in-law, Dottie Rash, Corinne Rash.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Grassy Knob Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Scott Chenevey and Edward Shumaker. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County for the compassionate care and support provided to Lois and her loved ones.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shumaker family.