Arthur Joseph Shy, Jr

Arthur Joseph Shy passed away at his home in Crystal Michigan May 11, 2024, at age 89 years old, was born in New Madrid MO to Arthur and Mildred (Phillips) Shy, Sr. He enjoyed a childhood with 9 siblings.



Art attended Immaculate Conception School and then New Madrid High School. In 1953 he joined the army acquiring the rank of corporal. He moved to Flint, MI to work in the auto industry. It was there he met his wife, Vera Joyce Sisson. In 1959 they married. In 1961 he and his family moved to Crystal MI where he began and spent many years as the local milkman. He created numerous friends and earned kudos for his customer service, hardworking attitude, and friendliness.



As a family we enjoyed Sundays on the ski hills. Our first outings were at Brady's Hill. Another notable family experience was driving trips to New Madrid, MO for holidays – usually Thanksgiving. Family stories include driving 12 hours overnight packing 5 kids into the back of the Vista Cruiser station wagon. We had many return trips that brought us through some treacherous weather, but every trip was made safely.

During the milk route years, the Shy children shared time on the delivery route and enjoyed dairy products, especially ice cream. Art also brought ice cream to local family reunions. Our family reunions were a big experience due to the large extended families.

Art and Vera hosted many exchange students including, Frank Taeter, who continued to visit and later relocated becoming an American citizen and is family in our hearts.

In 1991, Art made a career change, becoming a successful real estate agent using the same great personal characteristics he honed with his milk business. Those who knew Art, offer stories about him bringing milk and ice cream to their homes or of helping them with their first home sale or purchase. In his earlier years, he was active with the Knights of Columbus, Crystal Lions Club (perfect attendance for many years), softball, and a Championship bowling team. Vera Sisson Shy, Art's wife and mother to his children died in 1994.

On February 14, 2003, Art married Ruth Ann Tomlinson, who survives him. In 2006 Art was Crystal's Fourth-of-July Grand Marshall. Art chose to retire from real estate in 2014 and then suffered beginning stages of dementia resulting from arterial arteritis. He lived a quiet life thereafter. We offer thanks to Betty who helped care for him these last years.



Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Bud & Josephine (Shy) Richardson, Cyrus & Harriet (Shy) Porter, Dr. Art Anton, Glenn Alexander, Robert Shy, Alice (Shy) Recker, Gene & Laura Neal (Shy) Sinex and additional in-laws.

He is survived by his siblings, Mary Sue (Shy) Anton, Clare (Shy) Winter, Loretto (Shy) Alexander, Ruth Shy & Kim Zamarin, sisters-in-law, Letha Janice Clark Shy, Virginia (Sisson) Headley, Sharon Sisson, Margo (Sisson) Greenhoe, Lorena & Mark Austin, Rosemary Hancock; brothers-in-law, Vance Moore, Bill Spitler, Robert Skowron; children Janet Shy & Marty Miller, Charlie Shy, Bill Shy & Jenevra Foley, Scott & Christine (Matzinger) Shy, Mark & Jan (Nakayama) Shy, Frank Taeter; step-daughter Rex & Betty Beracy; grandchildren Joe Davenport, Corey Bullock & Jenna Yanz, Mark & Ashley (Pittman) Shy, Jr, Dr. Erin Shy, Kerry Shy, Thomas Taeter & Rachel Stoudt, Hannah Taeter, Trevor Davis, Rikki Alapai, Kanuu Kaliiaa & Tihani Anakalee, Kehau Kaliiaa & Jordan Mihara-Young, John & Shelena (Miller) Morton, Cassandra Miller, Jordan & Lyndsey (Deubner) Miller, Jared & Kelly (Bruursema) Miller, Dakota Miller, Brett Pennell, Dawson Pennell; Great grandchildren Owen Arthur Shy, Brandi Llanes, Radon Llanes, Kalea Kaliiaa, Rylan Mihara-Young, Dameon Soto, Johnny Soto, Reggie MCGinness, Olivia McGinness, Tucker Morton, Niah Miller, Kiera Tovar, William Tovar, Zac McGraw, Makayla Miller, Jayden Miller, Natalyn Miller, Trey Miller, Vayda Miller; Andrew & Autumn Roberts, Avril Zylman and Great – Great Grandchild Nolan McGinness.

Art enjoyed spending many good times with his loving nieces and nephews in Michigan, Missouri, Indiana, Florida, Texas.



A celebration of life will be held in Crystal MI in August.