Long-time Adams County resident and former I.Z. Musselman Manager Earl Shutt has won the Gettysburg Connection Outstanding Contribution Award for his unwavering, humble, and thoughtful contributions to Adams County organizations.
Shutt was nominated by Catherine Diehl.

“He’s stubborn, said his wife Joyce, and he “makes sure other people get the credit for a lot of the stuff he does. He’s a very quiet and thoughtful man. He doesn’t make quick decisions; he studies things carefully before he jumps in, but when he does, he’s very committed. He likes to work in the background to make things run smoothly.”
Joyce said Earl had made “stalwart, steady contributions to many organizations, including the Fairfield School Board, the Fairfield Mennonite Church, local fruit growers organizations, the Apple Harvest Festival, the Adams County Chapter of the Prison Society, the Fairfield Food Pantry, SCCAP, and the Fairfield Gift Festival.
Shutt served as a treasurer for many of these organizations. “He’s generous, said Joyce, but he makes sure money is spent wisely.”
Shutt moved with Joyce to Adams County in 1961 and served as Chief Executive Officer of the I.Z. Musselman Orchards until he retired in 1989.
Shutt was a conscientious objector and completed community service. During a stint in Europe, he helped refugees and people who lived behind the iron curtain.
I’ve known him for 20 plus years; he always had something smart to share,” said local pastor Brenda Walters. He believes that you give to the church first and everything else falls into place.”
“He’s a gentle giant. He does more than he ever let on,” said Walters. “He never said much, but when he said something, everyone listened. He always did it quietly because he felt that it mattered. He shot from the hip and didn’t’ sugarcoat anything. He’s was very much a family man.”
In her nomination letter, Diehl said Earl and Joyce had offered her a support system that she would not have had otherwise. “I had the good fortune to be ‘adopted’ by the Shutts and their church and I am not the only one! They have loved so many ‘until they could love themselves’ and I for one can never repay them or thank them enough for helping me through crippling childhood trauma and showing by example the lessons every child should learn as they grow up. If I could be 1/1,000th of the people they are, my life would have been a success.”
Shutt lives in Fairfield with Joyce. “He’s doing remarkably well,” she said.
The Shutts have had such an impact on my life since I met them 10 years ago. I have not known them long but their life lessons have touched me deeply and the way they live their lives individually and as a couple have shown me the meaning of steadfastness, compassion, forgiveness and yes a little humor. I believe I was led to move to Fairfield, PA to get to know them and love them. Thank you for honoring this honorable man.
What a lovely tribute. Don’t have the privilege of knowing Earl Shutt or his Joyce, but am uplifted and comforted simply by knowing such people are in this world. Thank you!
A well deserved recognition for Earl. He has made a difference! We all should strive for that!
Comment from Susan Russell:
I’m thrilled to see that you’re honoring Earl Shutt. He is a gentle giant indeed. I’ve known him for over 20 years, and he has helped me in so many ways. He’s generous with his time and wisdom, but definitely stays out of the spotlight–a very humble witty spirit. I’ve started writing a song called “Earl’s a Pearl”! Thank you again for recognizing his contributions to our community and our world.
Earl & Joyce both have made outstanding contributions to the betterment of our community. Thank-you!
Earl Shutt has been a friend and mentor to me for 30 years. In that time I have never known a more honest, caring man. To this day he is my go to for advice on anything. He always takes the time to listen and reflect. The world needs more people like Earl Shutt. I am truly grateful to both Earl and Joyce for all they have given and done for so many. The award is well placed. Thank you and congratulations Earl.