Muller, Shirley
Shirley Muller Pruette
After high school, I worked for a year before leaving for Chicago, IL, to attend Moody Bible Institute. I then graduated from Chicago School of Dental Nursing and worked several years for an Oral Surgeon in center-city Philadelphia. I continued taking evening courses at what is now Philadelphia Biblical University in Langhorne, PA.
I married in 1962. My son, Matthew, born in 1963, owns and operates a small engine business. My daughter, Tamara, born in 1968, is an Occupational Therapist specializing in Pediatrics working with special-needs children in Delaware County schools. I have 5 grandchildren, whom I baby sit daily while my children work. My son-in-law and daughter-in-law hold administrative positions at Crozer-Chester Medical Center
I have had the joy of teaching a large women’s Bible class for 25 years at Aldan Union Church. For a period of time, I contracted to write children’s materials and curriculum for Pioneer Girls International.
One of my hobbies is antique collecting, especially primitives. I have interpreted for a number of colonial houses in the county and for many years served as President of the Corporate Board for the 1696 Thomas Massey House in Broomall. While in that position, I interpreted as a costumed docent and researched and cooked authentic colonial meals in the walk-in fireplace and beehive oven. I also enjoyed training youngsters 11 and up, interested in living history interpretation, for a Junior Guide program.
I have always loved poetry. Therefore, as I worked on locating and contacting old classmates for this 50th reunion, I was reminded of Robert Browning’s poem based on Psalm 90. Let me close by quoting a few lines:
GROW old along with me! The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in HIS hand
Who saith, “A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!
[And then Browning ends his lengthy poem with these very sobering words]
So, take and use Thy work: Amend what flaws may lurk,
What strain of stuff, what warpings past the aim!
My times be in Thy hand!
Perfect the cup as planned!
Let age approve of youth, and death complete the same!
I believe that God has planted eternity in each heart, and I have been confident, ever since I placed my faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, that “God’s will cannot lead me where His grace cannot keep me.” I echo Browning’s sentiments that…truly, “Our times are in HIS hand.”