Marie Audell Shrum, 87, of Marble Hill passed away Monday, Sept. 24, 2001, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, following a lengthy illness.

Mrs. Shrum was born Jan. 6, 1914, in the Perry County community of Cross Roads to Gilbert L. and Flossie Ann Murray Conrad. She was educated in Perryville, Mo., and attended Southeast Missouri State Teachers College.

She was married to Philip Leo Shrum May 21, 1936, at Perryville. He preceded her in death May 12, 1993.

Mrs. Shrum is survived by a son, Kenneth (JoAnn) Shrum of Marble Hill; two daughters, Sandra Sue Scott of Marble Hill, Kathleen Marie (Jerry) Husk of Potosi, Mo.; four grandchildren, Gary Shrum, Renee Cook, Polly McCormick and Katie Pinkley; six great-grandchildren, Jennifer Crader, Kyle and Lotte Cook, Kaitlin McCormick, Kendra and Jerrod Pinkley; three great-stepgrandchildren and six great-great-stepgrandchildren; a brother, Ralph Conrad of Mesquite, Nev.; and a sister, Alma Statler of Perryville.

Three brothers, Beryl, Loy and David Conrad, preceded her in death.

Over a 20-year period she taught in several country schools in Perry and Cape Girardeau counties. After moving to Bollinger County she and her husband operated Home Oil Co. She also worked at Fairway Department Store in Lutesville, Mo., and for 19 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Bollinger County A.S.C.S. Office.

She was a member of Marble Hill United Methodist Church. Her church activities included membership in Loyal Christian Workers Sunday School Class, teaching various Sunday School classes, and membership in the United Methodist Women's group, of which she was president many years.

Throughout her life she unobtrusively and regularly helped and encouraged many people, not only family and friends, but others she saw in need. Her interest in education and learning was lifelong, and she instilled a desire for knowledge and education, not only in her children, but in her students. The devotion she has shown and the sacrifices she has made for family, friends, and church over the years are immeasurable.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. today at Hutchings Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill. The Revs. Michael Wood and Virgil Bunch will officiate. Burial will be in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery near Marble Hill.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Marble Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund.