Juanita “Sis” Shook of Martin, died Wednesday, March 23, at the Dussia House in Otsego. She was 95.

Described as fiercely independent and not afraid to speak her mind, “Sis” also was said to have a heart of gold. She was deeply devoted to her family, and she adored her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children.

She was born on June 25, 1920, the daughter of Frank and Lela (Lambert) Shook in Martin Township, the second of four children in her family, joining her older brother, Frank Jr., and then followed by her younger brothers, Harold and Bob.

She was raised in Martin where she attended local schools and did her fair share of work around the farm. She left school after the 11th grade. Sis spent some time working for Shakespeare in Kalamazoo and then later at Gibson Guitar before settling in at her job at Lear Siegler in Grand Rapids. She spent the bulk of her career there before retiring at the age of 65.

Sis purchased an ice cream store with her brother, Frank, primarily so that her mother would have a place to work as well as her nieces and nephews. Over the years many of her nieces and nephews did work there.

Even though she never married or had children of her own, Sis cherished her family. She treasured the companionship of her little poodle, Gomer, and he served as her companion for 15 years.

She enjoyed working out in her yard and especially loved to mow. Sis did some traveling with her friend, Pearl, and over the years made it to every state except Hawaii.

Sis’ family includes her 15 nieces and nephews whom she considered her children and her siblings: Frank Jr., Harold and Bob. Sis was preceded in death by her parents; niece Gail; nephews Dennis Shook and Francis Stahlhood.

Visit with her family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the same location. Please visit her memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online.

Memorial donations can be made to Grace Hospice of Kalamazoo.