Gary E. Shaw

     Gary E. Shaw of Ithaca, Michigan, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026. Gary was married for 58 years to his beloved wife, Marilyn, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and love. Gary lived his life with a quiet optimism that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a rare gift for always finding the good in people and made others feel seen, valued, and encouraged.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Derreck Jewell officiating. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star Twp., MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
      Gary was known for his great sense of humor and his genuine interest in the lives of others. He listened closely, cared deeply, and celebrated the successes of those around him as if they were his own. He was generous by nature—always offering a beverage, a meal, or whatever he had to make others feel welcome.
      Gary spent all his life in Ithaca, Michigan. He was raised on a farm, and farming remained a lifelong passion. He found deep fulfillment working the land alongside his son—time they shared building both memories and meaning. Gary and Marilyn enjoyed their winters living in Florida.
      He spent many years working at W.R. Grace in Lansing, Michigan, where he served as a Regional Territory Sales Manager and was respected for his dedication, integrity, and strong work ethic.
      Gary was also deeply committed to his faith. His greatest joy was teaching the adult Sunday School class at the Nazarene Church, where he was a mentor to many. With humility, Gary often said that while he taught the class, he learned just as much from his class members. His faith shaped the way he lived, led, and loved others.
     Gary graduated from Ithaca High School in 1964, and later earned his degree from Michigan State University. He was honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Institute of Agricultural Technology, a recognition that reflected both his professional accomplishments and lifelong commitment to agriculture.
     Family was the center of Gary's life. He cherished time with his children and grandchildren and took great pride in the family God had blessed him with.
     Gary is survived by his wife, Marilyn Shaw, and their children: Jeff (Margie) Shaw, Valerie (Rick) Shaw-Weisbarth, and Vanessa Young; his grandchildren: Jared (Ashley) Shaw, Collin (Raquelle) Shaw, Taylor Shaw, Ava Young, and Luke Young; and his great-granddaughter: Kora Shaw. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Bernetta Shaw, and his two brothers and two sisters.
       Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.
      Romans 8:10-11