For 52 years, Anne Shroat Tobias taught first grade in Garden City, Mich. A 1954 Murray State alumna, Tobias recently published her first children’s book in a series of books based on her teaching experiences.

Known for years as the “official painless tooth puller” of Farmington Elementary, she began her teaching career at the Marquette School in Garden City before Farmington was built in 1956. She retired in June 2006.

Anne is a talented painter, and the walls of Farmington Elementary are covered with her murals. First painted 20 years ago, one mural on an outside wall of the school won a Keep Michigan Beautiful Award. In 2004 during her 50 th year of teaching, the school was renovated and the murals were destroyed. With the help of her good friend Carol Monroe and dedicated parents, the murals were completely repainted with a more modern look.

“My life is full of the many things I love to do,” says Tobias. “I am an ardent gardener and I love to cook. Each year for over 25 years I made Thanksgiving luncheon for the staff and retirees of Farmington School . Homemade pies were always a favorite.”

The youngest of six children, she graduated from the Murray Training School in 1950. As a student at the Training School she was a loyal basketball fan, never missing a game.

Tobias’ nephew Jerry Shroat and his wife Betsy Reid Shroat, 1963 Murray State graduates, have always admired Anne for her many talents. Jerry and Betsy have attended the annual spring play performed by Tobias’ first grade students. Avid theatre goers, Jerry and Betsy were always amazed by the quality of the shows. The plays were written by the students with Anne’s help and every year was different.

World renowned children’s song writer and performer Jack Grunsky is a friend of Anne’s and has written many songs for her plays over the years. Generations of people who performed when they were first graders still return each year to see their children and grandchildren perform.

“Every time I meet a former student the first thing they ask is, ‘Do you remember what part I had in our play?” says Tobias. “My replay is always ‘yes’ followed by a hug.

Tobias’ first book, Harry’s Problem…First Loose Tooth, was released on Labor Day of this year. The second book, Harry Meets A Bully , should be released before Christmas. The next two books, What do Squirrels Eat for Lunch? and Elephant Annie will be released next year.

All of the books in this series are a prequel to a major book about Anne’s life as a teacher, For A Chew of Tobacco, to be published at a later date.

With the many honors she has received in her life, she treasures the memories of her students the most. “My days are always a little brighter when I hear from students that remember their days in first grade and how surprised they are when I remember them,” says Tobias. “I wish I could have them all sitting around a campfire to recall all the good times we shared.”