Eunice (Burns) Schrimsher - Crossin Guard 1964-1992, 199_-2005
Eunice Agnes Burns Birth 9 Jul 1930 Culver, Marshall County, Indiana Death 27 Feb 2005 Culver,
Marshall County, Indiana, Burial Masonic Cemetery Culver, Marshall County, Indiana daughter uf
Davod Boswell
Burns and Freda Marquis Reed
Eunice Agnes Schrimsher, 74, of 458 Lake Street, Culver, Indiana, passed away at 9:20 a.m. Sunday,
February 27, 2005, in her home surrounded by her loving family.
Eunice was born on July 9, 1930, to David B. and Frieda M. (Reed) Burns in Culver, Indiana.
She graduated from Culver High School in 1949. On May 28, 1955, she married Glen E. Schrimsher in
Bourbon, Indiana. He survives.
She worked as a dental assistant until she joined the Culver Police Department where she worked for
over 40 years As part of her duties, Eunice became the beloved crossing guard of all the town's
children. She also enjoyed going on patrol with Police Chief Wayne Bean. Eunice loved all children.
She loved using her glue gun to cover photo albums, coffee and shopping with the girls, being with '
her family, and especially her beloved grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Glen, Eunice is survived by her loving sons, Glen (Greta) and Scott (Dee)
Schrimsher of Culver, Indiana; daughter, Cheryl Schrimsher (Alfred Nyby) of Culver, Indiana; brothers,
David M. (Shirley) Burns, Douglas Burns, Ricky Burns and David B. (Elizabeth) Burns; sisters, Betty (John)
Rosebaum, Helen Norman, Nancy Jimenez and Susie (Jason) Weldon; grandchildren, Chase, Chelsea, Nick (Jill),
Alyssa, Jordan and Trayden; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the family will be from 1 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 2, and Thursday, March 3, 2005, from 1 to 8 p.m. in the Bonine-Odom Funeral Home, Culver,
Indiana. Father Jeff Largent will officiate services at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2005, at the Culver
Elementary School Gymnasium.
Interment will follow at the Culver Masonic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Culver Community Elementary or Culver Community High School. Letters of
condolence may be sent to the family through our website obituary page, www, bonine-odom. com. The Bonine-Odom
Funeral Home, Culver, Indiana, is in charge of arrangements. - South Bend Tribune Mar 1, 2005
married May 28, 1955 Bourbon, Indiana Glen Edward Schrimsher
children:
Cheryl Kay Schrimsher
Glen Owen Schrimsher
Scott Allen schrimsher
Eunice pictured as part of a "School safety" special on the cover of the Sept. 13, 1973
edition of the Culver Citizen article by Bernadette Zoss |
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1976 Sept - Eunice, crossing guard at the intersection of School Street and Lakeshore
Drive, went back to work this week guarding the crossing for youngsters who attend Culver
Elementary and Junior High School. The sign in the background was a surprice Eunice who
has guarded the crossing for a number of years and knows many of the youngsters by name... |
Crossing guard honored CULVER
Eunice Schrimsher. school crossing: guard for 10 sears at Culver's Elementary-Junior High School, was honored recently
with two surprise gatherings in her honor.
In a ceremony at City Hall. Town Marshal Jack Caudill, officer Terry Leahy. Clerk- Marizetta Kenney and Mary Wieringa,
presented her with a gold badge, two hanging plants and a new medal stop sign.
At the junior high school gym, students and teachers presented her with two plaques for her service to the school.
Ben Adams, junior high teacher and town board member, gave her a framed resolution passed by the town board which expressed
"sincere gratitude for a job well done".
Bob Rust, representing the State Exchange gave Mrs. Schrimsher a plaque to commemorate
her 10 sears as community service as school safety patrol officer. Rust said.
"Her discipline and conduct for the safety of Culver students has been an inspiration to all of us" After the presentations, she
returned to her corner to direct traffic as classes were dismissed. - South Bend Tribune May 15, 1978
1980 - Mrs. Schrimsher honored
CULVER - The Culver Lions Club has named Eunice Schrimsher as Culver's "Citizen of the Year." The announcement
was made during a recent awards banquet. Mrs. Schrimsher has been crossing guard at the Culver Junior
High-Elementary School for the last 11 years. Lions Club President Paul Winn, in presenting her award said,
"She has a great interest in children and does everything from helping them cross the streets to tying shoes,
wiping noses and even a kiss now and then.
She's dependable and devoted, and in all kinds of weather." Mrs. Schrimsher also plays Santa Claus prior to Christmas
vacation in the form of handing out treats to the children. South Bend Tribune Jan 11, 1980 |
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1985 |
1992 - Crossing guard's kept 'em smiling
By MAUREEN GROPPE Tribune Staff Writer
The South Bend Tribune Thu, Jun 04, 1992 Section B Page 1 & 2 |
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The community showed its gratitude Wednessday to Culver Police Department employee Eunice
Schrimsher who has served as the town's crossing guard for 30 years. Photo Tribune Maureen
Groppe
CULVER - The corner of Lakeshore Drive and School Street has been Eunice Schrimsher's Street has corner for the past
30 years.
Schrimsher has earned it through her trademark hip swivel. her diligence in not letting any, cars harm the students she
helps safely across the street, and her obvious affection for the children.
After 30 years, the lifelong Culver resident is retiring from the Culver Police Department and turning in her crossing
guard's whistle. But everyone, even Schrimsher, knows who they will be reminded of when they drive by the elementary school.
"It's still going to be my corner," Schrimsher added in her infectious laugh.
Schrimsher is going out with the same flair she brought to the corner twice a day for the past 30 years. She enlisted the
help of a clown friend and will be passing candy out to the children today as she helps them across the street one last time.
Wednesday, however, it was the community's turn to do the giving, The elementary school teachers and friends surprised her with
balloons, a sign, cookies and a black jacket on which "crossing guard for 30 years" has been stitched in orange.
While she was enjoying the return affection Wednesday, parents and teachers teased the officer who stepped in to replace her in
the street, saying he didn't have enough swivel in his hips.
Schrimsher claims the guard before her was more stylized. But Schrimsher has gained a reputation for her moves.
"It's just poetry in motion," she says as she twists and shakes her body in the trademark dance which has lightened the day of many
a child.
Her dance didn't work on one student, however, so Schrimsher took a more drastic approach.* "My son would never smile at Eunice," said
Culver resident Connie VanHorn. "She would swivel her hips and go through all her gyrations. But the day she threw herself on the hood
of his car, he had to laugh."
Schrimsher readily admits to attacking the student's car with her body and gives a simple explanation for it.
"Because I smile and I wanted him to smile, too," she said.
That kind of affection for the students has won her their respect and love and an annual picture in the yearbook even though she's not
a school employee.
Children will show her their report cards before taking them home for their parents to see.
"When (my 30-year-old son Ron) comes home, that's who he comes to see," said Elementary School Principal Bill Harris. "Any thing you can
think of she's done for them. She's just such an institution."
When asked what they thought of Schrimsher, a group of sixthgraders had plenty to say. They said they could bring their problems to Eunice,
and would bring her gifts such as apples, too. And they repeatedly mentioned that Schrimsher made them laugh.
"She's supportive to us kids. When you're down in the dumps or in the blues, she always makes you smile," said Kim Dilts. "It's going to be
a real different corner. It just won't be the same without her."
Superintendent William Mills praised Schrimsher for keeping students safe at a dangerous intersection through snow, rain, ice and below zero
weather. The crossing is at the bottom of a hill and many out-of-towners unfamiliar with the road might not be able to slow down in time
without Schrimsher.
"I've seen her stop cars with her body," Mills said. She also once used a stop sign to halt a car, using so much force, the sign broke. The
department told her "No more stop signs.'
And then there's the day she didn't put her purse in the squad car as usual but let it sit on the ground. A dog wandering by, shall we say,
mistook the purse for a fire hydrant, "I had to dump everything out," Schrimsher said, laughing again.
Although she admits to misgivings about leaving, Schrimsher says it's time.
"I'm 62. It's time for the young people," she said. "I've enjoyed it. I've had a lot of fun with them. They've taught me probably as much
as I've taught them."
And what she's given of herself is evident as she wraps two students in a hug as they leave her corner.
"You guys be careful," she calls after them.
2004 - She Keeps her 'little people safe
Crossing guard has been on the job for decades
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Crossing guard Eunice Schrimsher hugs birthday boy Joseph Cavazos,
who turned 7 on Thursday. Schrimsher has been a crossing guard in Culver
for about 40 years |
Crossing guard Eunice Schrimsher has been safeguarding students
at the corner of School Street and Lake Shore Drive for about 40 years now. |
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Eunice Schrimsher has been a crossing guard in Culver for about 40 years now.
She’s been making sure her “little people”get to school and back home again safely.
And nothing has stopped her,not even cancer. |
By SHARON GARDNER Tribune Correspondent
CULVER — Anyone near the elementary school will hear her: “Come on! Come on! You’re as slow as molasses! Hi,Honey!”
For almost 40 years Eunice Schrimsher has stood at the intersection of School Street and Lake Shore Drive,ensuring all
of her “little people”make it across safely,mornings and afternoons.
“They’re so much fun,” Schrimsher said of the students. “I just love them.I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t.”
Those feelings are mutual.
“She’s really nice,”said Ciera Staley,a fifth-grader at Culver Elementary.“She tells the cars not to come the way we’re coming.”
Latia Turner,a sixth-grader, agreed.“She’s sweet.She helps us get across the street without getting hit by cars.”
“She used to call me Winnie-The-Pooh,”added Heather Wynn,also in sixth grade.When the other girls looked at her funny and asked
if she used to like Pooh,Heather said the nickname came because Schrimsher knew her grandmother.
And Schrimsher is interested in more than just how the kids get to school.
“They always want to show me their report cards,”Schrimsher said,adding she is happy to look, “if their mommy and daddy don’t care.
”But since many of the students she watches today have parents who were also guarded by Schrimsher, most don’t mind at all.
“I try to remember their birthdays,so that I can say,‘Happy birthday’to them,”she said.
The kids remember her on special days, as well.
Schrimsher said she often receives Christmas gifts from the students,such as candles, gift certificates,and hot pads and towels for
her kitchen.
“I’ve wiped a lot of noses and scratched a lot of backs,” the 74- year-old grandmother said with a smile, adding another,“I just love
them.”
Being out with her “little people,”as she calls the students, has also helped keep her mind off a much more serious matter in her life.
In May, following a medical examination for a lung that had filled with fluid, Schrimsher was diagnosed with breast cancer.
But she has stayed upbeat since her diagnosis.
She explains her attitude sim- ply by saying,“I’m just Eunice.I just don’t think about it.If you think about it all the time,you’d be down
all day.”
It was obvious,given the smiles and greetings she exchanged with other patrons in Café Max,“being down all day”was not on her agenda.
Regarding her treatment, Schrimsher said she has three more chemotherapy treatments to go and then the doctors will do another scan to see
how effective the treatment has been.
Even though she’s lost all of her hair,she hasn’t gotten sick with the therapy.“I’m doing very good,”she said with a smile.
Getting sick while undergoing chemotherapy had been a huge concern for Schrimsher.She had originally told her husband of almost 50 years,
Glen,and their three children,Cheryl,Glen Jr., and Scott,who all still live in Culver as well,that she would not undergo the chemotherapy.
“Why would I want to live all week being sick?” she said. “I enjoy life too much to be sick all week.”They begged her to change her mind.
Schrimsher decided,for her family’s sake,she’d give it one chance.If she got sick with the first chemotherapy treatment, that would be it;
she’d stop the treatment. Fortunately, she didn’t get sick and has been able to continue with the therapy.S he agrees her family ties, the
love and support she gets from her kids, her six grandchildren,and all of her extended family and friends have helped her a great deal.
“When I was in the hospital, you just wouldn’t believe it,” Schrimsher said.
She said she had countless visitors and received get-well banners from the students.
“We don’t go anywhere unless we’re in a group,” Cheryl Schrimsher said. We always move in a large, large group. Remember the last episode of
‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show,’ when they were all huddled together and moved together to get a tissue? That’s what we’re like.”
Regarding her mom’s cancer treatment,she said, “I am waiting for a miracle. She has always,always been good.If anybody deserves a miracle,
it’s her.” South Bend Tribune Sep 12, 2004
2005 - No one able to fill her shoes
Community mourns passing of longtime Culver crossing guard Eunice Schrimsher.
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Crossing guard Eunice Schrimsher hugs Joseph Cavazos in this photograph
taken last September. Schrimsher, a crossing guard in Culver for about 40
years, died Sunday at the age of 74. |
By SHARON GARDNER Tribune Correspondent
CULVER The sign at the depot on Lake Shore Drive reads, "Our community will miss Eunice." No last name is necessary. Everyone knew Eunice.
Eunice Schrimsher, 74, died Sunday morning at home with her family, after nearly a year-long battle with cancer. Funeral services for her
are at 10:30 a.m. today in the gym at Culver Elementary School, 401 School St. Burial will follow at Culver Masonic Cemetery.
"She's like an icon of the town," said Police Chief Wayne Bean, who was welcomed to the department more than 23 years ago by Schrimsher.
For 40 years she was part of the department, working as the crossing guard at Lake Shore Drive and School Street, ensuring the elementary
school kids' safety.
"She's a good person full of life," Bean continued, speaking of her still in present tense. "I'll never have anybody to fill her shoes."
Crossing guard mourned in Culver Schrimsher loved her job. Interviewed last September for a story in The Tribune, she said of her job
and of her "little people" (as she called the students), "They're so much fun! I just love them. I wouldn't do it if I didn't."
Asked to describe a lasting image he will carry of Schrimsher, Bean replied, "Her dancing up at the corner (at the school). She could
really get going. She had her own way of doing it."
Bean said the last time he spoke to Schrimsher, which was within the last couple of weeks, she talked about her return to her job.
Bean repeated her words. "'When the doctor releases me, I'm coming back to work,'" she told him. " 'Just one more week.'"
Bean had shared her feelings. "We expected her to come back to work...She was planning on coming back this spring," he continued. "She '
wanted to finish out the year. We all thought that would happen."
"We're going to miss her down there (at the school)," he added.
Because everyone expected her to return, the department kept a secret from Schrimsher, that now will be a bittersweet, posthumous dedication.
Bean explained that last November, he had a very large rock placed on the corner of the school's property. His intention was to affix a bronze
plate to the rock, commemorating Schrimsher's 40 years as a crossing guard. It took him until December to find someone to make the plaque, and
then it took six weeks to produce it.
"We wanted to do something with the kids," Bean said of the plaque. "That's why we wanted it at the corner. We didn't tell a lot of people. It
was supposed to be a surprise."
Once he had the plaque in hand, the weather worked against Bean and his plans to present it to Schrimsher. Then, in the middle of February, her
health took a turn for the worse. She was admitted into the hospital on Feb. 17 and released to the care of her family on the 24th. She died
three days later. Schrimsher never saw the plaque, but Bean thought the family had told her about it.
According to Bean, he still wants to have some sort of dedication ceremony, when the plaque is finally attached to the rock.
"She was like family," he said. "She was a fixture in the department... She was the cushion between the department and the town... She was a
good PR person. She knew everybody."
Bean will be speaking at Schrimsher's funeral service and will help carry her to her final resting place.
"She asked the department to be pallbearers," he said, adding, "I feel honored to do that." - South Bend Tribune Mar 04, 2005
Community mourns an icon
By Kelly Masson Citizen Editor
CULVER - The school crossing at Lake Shore Drive and School Street won't be the same without the dedication
of Eunice Agnes Schrimsher who kept Culver's children safe for more than 40 years.
Eunice died Sunday, Feb. 27 at her home surrounded by her family after a battle with cancer.
According to Police Chief Wayne Bean, she had been employed by the Culver Police Department since about 1964.
She began as a matron, helping with female arrests and became a crossing guard for Culver schools.
"Kids meant a lot to her. She knew most of them on a first-name basis. She fixed hats and wiped noses. Sometimes
she would see report cards before the parents did," said Bean.- - Public relations were also part of her duties.
She helped with giving talks to high school children before prom and fingerprinted preschool children during tours
of the department, helping them to understand the "good" side of the department.
Staying involved with the community, Eunice would ride around with Bean handing out candy to trick-or-treaters and
passed out candy canes on the last day of school before Christmas break.
"She was an icon to the community for a long time. There's not one thing that can describe her. She was vibrant. She
was full of life. I can't find anyone to replace her. Those are big shoes to fill," said Bean.
A 1949 graduate of Culver High School, Eunice and Glen E. Schrimsher were married May 28, 1955. They have two sons
Glen (Greta) and Scott (Dee) Schrimsher of Culver and a daughter Cheryl Schrimsher (Alfred Nyby) of Culver. Their
grandchildren are Chase, Chelsea, Nick (Jill), Alyssa, Jordan, and Trayden.
Services were Friday at Culver Elementary School gymnasium with Father Jeff Largent officiating. - 10 March, 2005, Thursday
2005 - A cornerstone of Culver
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This plaque was dedicated Wednesday at School Street and Lakeshore Drive
in Culver to honor Eunice Schrimsher, who was a crossing guard at the
intersection for 40 years. Schrimsher died in February.
Note it reads "With sincere appreciation to Eunice Schrimshire "Our Crossing guard"
for 40 years of dedicated service (1964-2004) to Culver's children, police de[t/
Schools, corp/ and community.
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Monument dedicated to memory of 'Culver's Crossing Guard.'
By KRISTEN COUNTS Tribune Correspondent
CULVER - A large gathering of Culver residents were present at the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the memory
of "Culver's Crossing Guard."
The plaque was a gift from the Culver Police Department and honored Eunice Schrimsher, who helped children safely
cross the street to and from school for 40 years at the corner of School Street and Lakeshore Drive, where the plaque
is placed.
Schrimsher died in February at the age of 74, having lived her whole life in Culver.
"She was like an icon in the community. Everybody knew her. She probably helped four generations of children crossing the
street," said Culver Police Chief Wayne Bean. Bean first met Schrimsher when he joined the Culver force 23 years ago.
When asked why he thought she kept doing it for so long, Bean replied, "Because she loved the kids. She liked the department.
She was the happiest person you could ever see ..."
But the plaque wasn't dedicated to Schrimsher because of how long she was on that corner, but for what she did when she was there.
Culver Police Officer John Duhnovsky spoke to the crowd of how she, "served as grandma, mommy, and everything to the kids she crossed."
The main thing I noticed was the joy that she always had," Duhnovsky said. "Eunice was a fine example of how important it is to influence
other people's lives."
Several of Schrimsher's family members were present.
Daughter Cheryl Schrimsher said, "She left a spot in many of our hearts. If you knew her, you loved her; and she loved you."
Cheryl's brother Scott Schrimsher agreed, "We think it's wonderful. She stood on this corner for 40 years; and it didn't matter what the
weather was the kids were her main concern."
Schrimsher's former neighbor, Susan Flora, said, "I'm glad that in 20 years they'll see the plaque and be asking, 'Who's Eunice Schrimsher?'"
Cheryl Schrimsher mentioned that a scholarship fund is being set up in her mother's name, "which will probably be used for (the study of)
law enforcement." Donations can be made to the Marshall County Community Foundation in Plymouth. - South Bend Tribune Jul 29, 2005