Alma Trees, 94, former Shelbyville resident, passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at her daughter’s residence in Coppell, Texas.
She was born Oct. 8, 1922, in Johnson County, to Raymond Shumaker and Delia (Williams) Shumaker. She married Robert Trees on Feb. 18, 1943, and he preceded her in death.
Alma moved to Shelbyville when she was in her early 30s. She was a nurse, a wife, and had two school-age children.
It was not long until she started working at W.S. Major Hospital. She worked there about 30 years and was supervisor of the obstetrics unit most of that time. The miracle of new human life never ceased to amaze her. To her it remained a "holy moment" when each new baby took its first breath.
Soon after Alma retired, she started a prenatal clinic for the young women who could not afford prenatal care. Alma's job was to keep the clinic staffed and make sure the donations kept coming in to keep the doors open.
When Alma was 70 years old she and her husband, Bob, became the first married couple to win the honor of being crowned "Mr. and Mrs. Shelby County". They were both thrilled to think that their county folks thought so much of each of them. Bob was a Shriner and drove children all over the area to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago and Cincinnati. Alma, being a nurse, always went with them, thus they got to drive the children that were the most ill.
She was very involved with her church and held many offices over the years. Just about every time the church doors were open Alma would be walking through those doors.
Alma was also very much involved with Shelby County Homemakers Club and Eastern Star. She was Worthy Matron twice and played the organ the rest of the time. She was also a great noodle maker. She would make noodles until she was too tired to stand anymore. She really did love Eastern Star and all the people involved in it. Eventuality she was declared a life member and never had to pay dues again. That was really a thrill to her.
As time moved on, they decided to move close to their daughter because Bob's health was failing. They moved to Texas in 1999. The Methodist church they attended in Texas was never the same once she was there. She started and named a new group for the older adults. They both participated in church until their health failed. Alma had a very loving soul.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville.
The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Funeral Directors Greg A. Parks, Sheila J. Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to conduct the services for Mrs. Trees.
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