Photos by Steve Landon
By Pat Maurer
Correspondent
A special procession to honor Nichole Marie Shuff has been planned for today, August 5 in Farwell.
Just 33 years old, Nichole died following an accident on July 25th while working as a Mounted Deputy at the Clare County Fair.
A release from Sheriff John Wilson of the Clare County Sheriff’s Office said, “It is with deepest regret that the Clare County Sheriff’s Office announces the tragic death of Sheriff’s Mounted Deputy, Nichole Shuff #18P14.”
The release continued, “In a tragic accident, Deputy Shuff was critically injured on July 25th at approximately 8:17 pm while dismounting her horse while responding to a medical issue at the Clare County Fair.”
She was transported to Midland (MyMichigan Health) Hospital for treatment of a critical head injury, and died four days later, Undersheriff Dwayne Miedzianowski said in an earlier interview.
Deputy Shuff had been a part of the Clare County Mounted Division since September 1st, 2020, the release said.
Her obituary read, “…Born in Cadillac on August 31, 1988, …. Nichole developed a love for horses in her early teen years.” She developed a love for travel and travelled alone to perform volunteer work in Honduras and Guatemala, and assisted in Pediatric Clinics, Women’s Health Clinics, and taught English in orphanages, schools and monasteries in India.
In 2017, she moved to the United Kingdom, Scotland for a two-year residency at Hairmyres Hospital Orthopedic. There, in Glasgow, is where she met Dr. Octavian Balint. He shared her love of travel and her passion for helping others. Their shared passions took them around the world on inspiring adventures together. They were married June 22. Nichole worked as an Orthopedic Physician’s Assistant for S.O.S. Sports Orthopedic Specialist in Mt. Pleasant.
Neighbor, friend and Review photographer Steve Landon said, “I’m very lucky to live next door to Pat , Melissa and their family. From the time our kids were in elementary school together I’ve seen them grow and develop into fine young citizens . Nichole, who was outnumbered by the boys in her family, was an inspiration from the day our families met. She was one of those kids who just made you feel good whenever they’re around.
You could tell from a young age this girl knew what she wanted in life and nothing was going to stop her from achieving her goals. Blessed with a strong will and a kind heart Nicole made her dreams and those of others come true with her incredibly positive outlook on life. Our family feels blessed to have known such a fine young lady and her wonderful family.”
Nichole is survived by her husband Octavian Balint, her brother Brian Malley, a Clare County Correction’s Officer, and her parents Melissa (Crowder) Shuff and Patrick Malley, along with numerous other family members.
Visitation and funeral arraignments include a Public visitation today, Friday, August 5th from 10 am-1 pm in the foyer area of the Farwell Area School’s Jamie Performing Arts Center, located at 480 E Ohio in Farwell.
Services will follow the visitation in the Jamie Performing Arts Center Auditorium. There will be overflow seating available in the Gymnasium at the same location.
No photographs will be allowed and cell phones are requested to be turned off
After the service, a “Processional” honoring Nichole will proceed west on Ohio to Corning Street where vehicles will go south to Main Street. Vehicles will then proceed east through the Village to the Surrey Township Cemetery.
The family has requested that only Clare County Sheriff’s Office staff be present at the cemetery. Agencies taking part in the procession will be asked to discontinue once the family and staff enter the cemetery.
No video or photos will be allowed to be taken inside the FHS building during the ceremony. Media attending is asked to stage at the Farwell Church of Christ located at 700 E. Michigan in Farwell.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked everyone for their support and continued prayers for the family and CCSO staff.