Terre Haute, Indiana - TERRE HAUTE - Jean Allison (Draegert) Shutt, 87, of Terre Haute passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025 at her residence in Sycamore Manor.

She was born May 12, 1938 in Des Moines, IA to Walter and Lois (Burns) Draegert.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Charles "Chuck" Shutt; daughters Allison (Greg) Chemerys, Jill (Mark) Leineweber and Shelly (David) Shearer; grandchildren, Dr. Danielle Chemerys (Dennis) White, Zachary Chemerys, Will Rupert, Claire Rupert, Maggie Shearer and Libby Shearer; and four great-grandsons, Lane, Ethan, James and Connor White. She also leaves behind her brother Ross Draegert (Dr. Robert) Starshak and several nieces and a nephew in Danville, IL. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Janice.

All of these beloved family members were a source of great joy and pride for Jean and her love for family was immeasurable.

Jean, who was adopted at birth, discovered through genealogical research that she had two half siblings on her biological mother's side, a half brother Paul Schmidt and a half sister Carol Kolstad (deceased) and family, all of Wisconsin.

Jean was a devoted member of the Terre Haute community who gave generously of her time in support of the arts and education. She attended grade school in the small Iowa town of Thornburg, where her father owned and ran a general merchandise store. Following graduation from Danville (Illinois) High School, Jean attended the University of Illinois, earning her undergraduate degree in Speech and English in 1959. She was a member and President of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, maintaining her membership for over fifty years.

Together, she and Chuck could often be found cheering on their beloved Illini sports teams. It was while attending Illinois Jean met her "leading man" and the love of her life, Chuck, whom she married following graduation. As fate would have it, they met while working on a theater production.

Jean briefly taught elementary school prior to having her three daughters. She held various part-time jobs in Terre Haute including hosting a noontime television talk show on WTWO, as well as a call-in radio show, "The Tip Show" on WAAC Radio. She also wrote a food column for the Spectator, a weekly publication.

Jean earned her master's degree in English and Drama from Indiana State University and returned to teaching those two subjects at Terre Haute North Vigo High School. While there from 1979-1986, she directed fourteen plays and assisted with the musical productions. She has always been proud of her drama students and thrilled to introduce the world of theater to so many talented young people.

Jean was active in all aspects of Community Theater of Terre Haute for over fifty years. She and her husband Chuck worked together on numerous productions. She received awards for acting and directing and served as the President of the Board of Directors. She also worked as the Publicity Director for the ISU Summer Theater for over twenty years and appeared on stage in several roles. She also supported Children's Theater of Terre Haute in its early years and was a past President.

Jean's devotion to her community stretched beyond the theater. She was a member of Terre Haute P.E.O. Chapter BN where she served a term as president and was honored to become a fifty-year member. Jean was also a member and past president of the League of Terre Haute.

Jean was a member of Central Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Deacon. She was the first Co-Chair of the Tri Kappa sorority's "House of the Christmas Mouse" and also helped organize the Chestnut Street Cooperative Pre-School. Many of her daughter's friends will remember her fondly as their Girl Scout Troop Leader in the 1970's.

Jean was a renowned for throwing some of the best "cast parties" for the theater productions she and her husband and three daughters were involved with. Her friends highly regarded her hosting skills and to attend a party at "The Shutt House" was a real treat.

Jean was a phenomenal role model to her three daughters and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She instilled in all of them the importance of Learning, Love and Laughter.

She and Chuck were avid travelers who saw many parts of the United States, Europe and North Africa often while visiting family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Greiner Funeral Home, Terre Haute, IN 47804 on Friday, October 3 from 4 to 6 p.m., with ceremony at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The ISU Crossroads Repertory Theater (Summer Theater) via the Give to Indiana State website or to The Community Theater of Terre Haute Endowment through the Wabash Valley Foundation.

www.greinerfuneralhome.com