Alice "Daun" (Rasegan) Reams Sheffer, age 73 of Big Rapids, passed quietly from this world on Friday, September 9, 2016 surrounded by family and friends at the Big Rapids Hospital. Daun was born December 13, 1942, in Howell to the late George and Jean (Nicholson) Rasegan. She graduated from Howell High School with the class of 1960 and continued to excel in school even after her children were born; completing her bachelors degree in Special Education at Michigan State University in 1967 and a masters degree in Education of the Emotionally Impaired at Central Michigan University in 1977. From 1967 until 2003, Daun developed a notable career as a celebrated special education teacher in Big Rapids, where she will be remembered fondly by colleagues, students, and parents alike as an exceptional light in a system which all too often fails atypical children. Even in her retirement, she worked as a teacher consultant at Chippewa Hills, continuing to help educate the youth as mentor and tutor. On October 27, 1995, she was wed to her fellow teacher and beloved husband Loren Sheffer. Their many adventures and trips were the joy of her life. Daun loved all things bright and beautiful in this world. She loved the outdoors. She was an avid hiker and a skilled gardener who loved nothing more than to travel and to marvel at what great sights the world had to offer herbe they mountain vistas or the view of her own garden in spring, she saw glory in things both great and small. She was an ardent lover of music, art, and literature. For many years, she attended concerts and the annual Wheatland Music Festival, where she enjoyed surrounding herself with like-minded patrons of music and humanitarian causes. She loved to make things with her hands, and though she would often undersell her own talents, her quilting, knitting, mosaic tiling, and wonderful recipes will be recalled fondly. She collected an amazing circle of friends throughout her life because she exemplified friendship based on mutual admiration. She believed in furthering and fostering human kindness through ones own actions and instilled that lesson in countless youth--from her own children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews to the many school children whose lives she influenced. Daun is survived by her loving husband, Loren Sheffer, her three sons, stepdaughter, and their families: Russell Randal Reams of Big Pine Key, FL and his children Randi Nicole, Zachary Sean (daughter Emily Michelle), and Kayla Daun; Martin Curt Reams (Linda)of Cutlerville, and his son Tyler Curt; Sean Gregory Reams (Julie) of Big Rapids, and his children Justin Owen (daughter Kaylynn Faith Renee) and Korinne Renee; Heather Krebs (Alan) of Pierson, and her children Ryan Alan (Brenda) (children Jayden Michael and Isabella Marie) of Howard City, Jeffrey Michael, and Haley Lynne. In addition, Daun leaves siblings Neil (Laurel) Rasegan of Melbourne, FL, Evelyn Blackburn of South Lyons, Valorie (Tom) Fortney of Howell, Marci (Nathan) Gremore of Freesoil, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by a younger brother Marty Rasegan in 1960 and a daughter-in-law, Sylvia Reams on August 13, 2016. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 726 Fuller Avenue in Big Rapids; where Daun and Loren were members. In lieu of Flowers, please make a small contribution to the Mecosta Youth & Family Center by contacting Linda Bula at (231) 592-0586, or Big Rapids Middle School Special Education Department by contacting Tina at (231) 796-9965. Envelopes are available at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Daun was unmatched in her enthusiasm for life and her desire to share the knowledge and beauty of the world with others. Her love and spirit will be carried on through her good works and the many lives she touched. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Memorial Service Wednesday, September 14, 2016 01:00 PM Immanuel Lutheran Church 726 Fuller Avenue Big Rapids,MI 49307