Born in Miles, Texas, the daughter of Lydia Steinfield Baumann and Julius Baumann, Florene was the descendent of Herman Baumann and Sophie Tatsch from Prussia, Germany, and Karl Steinfield and Anna Kettler, immigrants from Germany in the late 1800s.
These immigrants settled in rural West Texas and became landowners, builders, cotton farmers, ranchers, musicians (The Baumann Family Band), and business owners. Florene’s great-grandfather was the first sheriff appointed in Llano County, Texas during reconstruction. Fluent in five languages (English, German, French, Italian and Yiddish), he laid the foundation for Florene to be drawn to diversity of culture and world travels. Her mother’s work as a seamstress and her father’s as a business owner taught her the value of hard work. During the Great Depression her beloved father lost his barber shop business and the family relocated to Fresno, California.
Florene met the love of her life at age 16, Donald E. Shute, and they were married September 4, 1943. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Port Hueneme, California. She worked for Woolworth and was the “go to” cosmetic expert that women in Ventura County relied on for beauty advice. After the war they moved back to Fresno, California where she worked in her brother-in-law’s jewelry store and Donald worked for the Santa Fe Railroad Company.
Florene was a gifted writer, psalmist, and musician. She and her sister and brother carried on the family music tradition, establishing the next generation Baumann Family Band in the 1950s. Joined by their spouses and niece, each playing multiple stringed instruments and singing in lush harmonies, they carried on the music tradition of the Baumann Family.
The 20th century generation of Baumann descendants, including Florene’s daughter, grand-daughter and nieces are also accomplished musicians.
Reverends Florene and Donald Shute became charter members of the Central California District for the Pentecostal Church of God in the early 1950s and continued to serve as ministers and missionaries until each of their respective deaths.
Florene was a partner with her husband in his calling to “Go into all of the world and preach the Gospel.” She was an integral part of his ministry, establishing her own legacy of teaching on The Tabernacle, The Temple, and, Ages and Dispensations. She was well versed in the Torah and both the Old and New Covenant. She wrote over 150 poems and songs and numerous Bible study lessons and sermons. Many are memorialized in her book Born Again, Born to Win (2018).
She was the editor for The Missionary Voice for 20 years and the book Decades of Destiny (1995). Two of her songs are published in the Messenger Hymnal. She has been recognized all over the world for her anointed speaking, and original songs and ukulele playing. She was the recipient of the Pentecostal Church of God Vessel of Honor award for her 60 years of dedicated and empowering service to the nations of the world. She continued to work in the World Missions Department until age 89, writing and editing articles and was responsible for the designation program involving sponsorship for missionaries, schools, Bible colleges, orphanages and churches in over 50 countries.
Although a world traveler, Florene was most content at home with her family, church associates, friends and felines. She continued to write articles, share her poetry and was a “prayer warrior” for many who reached out to her for wise counsel and encouragement. Joplin Family Worship Center called her “Sister Powerhouse”, describing her endless energy, powerful anointing and consistent positive attitude. She was a role model for women of all generations.
People in her favorite restaurants and places she liked to shop recognized her when she entered. They would welcome her into their place of business with a smile and hug, knowing what she would be ordering and having her Diet Dr. Pepper at her table by the time she sat down. Her dedication to studying the Word of God was profound. She read at least two versions of the Bible annually for over 40 years. She memorized a significant amount of the book of Psalms and other scriptures. She woke up every morning and went to bed every night quoting scriptures. She became a bit of a “techie” with her Bible on her iPhone the last few years, where she was often caught reading the Bible well into the overnight hours.
Florene was preceded in death by her parents Julius and Lydia Baumann, husband Reverend Donald E. Shute, siblings and their spouses, J. C. and Jean Baumann, and Evelyn and Buel Atkinson. She is survived by her devoted and loving family, daughters Donna (Lorin) Chester, Pamela Shute (Timothy Redmond), grand-daughter Athena (Howard) Gillespie, one sister-in-law, Doris Ghan, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Her legacy lives on through her family and friends.
Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Florene Baumann Shute will be held at Joplin Family Worship Center August 8, 2019. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00, followed by her celebration at 11:30. Interment will be at Osborne Cemetery after the service. Arrangements are under the care of Parker Mortuary with Pastor Daniel Wermuth, II and Reverend Reggie Powers as celebrants. Donations to honor Florene Baumann Shute may be made to Joplin Family Worship Center. Funds distributed will be based on expressed wishes of Florene.
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