Shirley Joan Hiatt, 74, 3361 N. 200 West, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 6 a.m. Tuesday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. She was born in Huntington County on Sept. 12, 1936, to John F. and Blanche D. (Miller) Raub. As one of six children she shared her childhood with three sisters, Marti, Jan, and Donna, and two brothers, Gene and John. Living most of her formative years in Aubbeenaubbee township, Shirley graduated from Leiters Ford High School in 1954. Following her graduation from Leiters Ford, she went to Ball State University and earned an associates degree in secretarial science. With a desire to teach school, she attended Manchester College where she earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education specializing in business. Her student teaching experience was completed at Richland Center High School. Shirley's professional career as a teacher began in Leiters Ford when she was offered an elementary teaching assignment. She was so impressed by the enthusiasm and desire to learn by her young students that she returned to Manchester College to earn her degree in elementary education. Later she attended IU-South Bend where she garnered her Masters of Science in education. As a devoted and loving kindergarten teacher Mrs. Hiatt touched the lives of more than 1,200 students who were members of her classes. Through the years, teaching at Leiters Ford, Culver and Monterey, with a remarkable memory, she could recall students birthdays and many classroom incidents from three decades in the classroom. She took "her kids" under her wing nurturing them and enjoyed many lifelong friendships, with her students dropping by to check in on and visit with their favorite teacher. Nearly 55 years ago, in Leiters Ford, on Aug. 26, 1956, best friends Everett "Pat" Hiatt and Shirley Joan Raub were married. Their union produced two daughters, Cathlene and Bev, and a son David. Over the years the family tree grew, adding four grandchildren and one great-grandson. A devoted Christian woman, Shirley and husband Pat co-led mission trips to Guatemala, Honduras and Bolivia. This led to the opportunity to share her faith. Shirley was a member of the Sunrise Chapel, Plymouth, and the Ladies Missionary Circle. She also served her church as Sunday school teacher for a number of years. Shirley is remembered as a "prayer warrior," knowing the power it yielded. As Grandma, or to some known as "GG" (for Great-Grandma) Shirley is remembered as always being there with a listening heart for her children, grandchildren and great-grandson. As a seamstress she sewed for her family in the early years. An avid fan of her grandchildren, she could be seen in the stands cheering wildly for them, rarely missing an event or music program. As a friend of nature, Shirley enjoyed feeding and watching the wildlife of her backyard habitat. Her thoughtfulness to others is remembered with the many cards of encouragement she sent to those facing challenges. Visiting and caring for family, friends and former students is a deed of kindness Shirley always made time for in her schedule. Shirley is remembered as an excellent cook and baker. As a gracious hostess for family events, holidays and celebrations, her most requested dessert was the delicious double-layered chocolate cake she baked. Always available for birthdays or on request no one could rival her. Her chocolate chip cookies garnered a close second. Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her husband Pat, at home; two daughters, Cathlene Strong and husband David, Cusco, Peru, South America, and Bev Hiatt, Huntington; son David Hiatt and wife Catherine, Rochester; four grandchildren, Angela Hooley and husband Derek, Krista Hiatt, Nicholas Strong, and Kristofer Hiatt; great-grandchild Lucas Sutton Hooley and another one to arrive in early 2012; three sisters, Martha "Marti" Schwenk, Rochester, Jan Mishler and husband Lynn, Leiters Ford, and Donna Brucker, Muskegon, Mich.; and brother John Raub and wife Margaret, Indianapolis. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Gene Raub. A celebration of the life of Mrs. Shirley Joan (Raub) Hiatt is at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Sunrise Chapel, 11802 Lincoln Highway, Plymouth, with the Rev. Mark Allen and the Rev. Brian Sewell officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, and one hour prior to the service in the church. She will be laid to eternal rest at Rochester's IOOF Cemetery. Preferred memorials may be made to the Gideons, Fulton County Cancer Society/NICF or World Gospel Mission. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at goodfamily@rtcol.com.