Larrona “Lona” Mae Shaw

Birth: July 20, 1948, - Grand Rapids, MI 

Death: April 5, 2024, - Wyoming, MI

Larrona “Lona” Mae Shaw, age 75, of Ithaca, MI, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior at home in Wyoming, MI, surrounded by her family on Friday, April 5, 2024, after a battle with ALS.

Lona was born in Grand Rapids, MI on July 20, 1948, to Elvis and Erma (Turney) Shook. She graduated from Central Montcalm High School in 1966. Lona married Lawrence Shaw in Ithaca, MI, on May 23, 1970, and they remained dedicated parents to their sons.

Throughout her life, Lona worked as an X-ray technician, a food service worker at Ithaca Public Schools and the Department of Corrections in Carson City, the Ithaca High School head cheerleading coach, and a bus driver for Ithaca Public Schools and Vestaburg Community Schools. After retirement, Lona worked with her friend Mary at 3D Pizza in Vestaburg.

Lona was a strong and independent woman in every area of her life. She was also a mother of four boys whom she protected fiercely and loved very much. Lona loved camping, Hallmark Christmas movies, soap operas, and listening and singing to country music. However, Lona’s greatest pride and joy in her life was her family. Lona was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and honorary grandchildren, and was always there to support them at their sporting events and other activities. She loved spending time with her family at family gatherings and visits.

Lona is survived by her children: Brad (Mechelle) Shaw of Ithaca, MI; Chad (Jill) Shaw of Shepherd, MI; Joey Shaw of Punta Gorda, FL; and John (Emily) Shaw of Wyoming, MI; her sister, Cindy (Bob) Whitmill; her sister-in-law Sherry Shook; her sister-in-law Brenda Shook; her grandchildren: Bryan (Renan), Paige, Skylar (fiancée Kennedy), Brayden (girlfriend Joie), Kerstyn, Lilly, Charlotte, and Nora Shaw; her former husband Lawrence Shaw; her honorary family: Linda Flora and Jamey and Heather Conn; her honorary grandchildren: Dallas and Jackson Conn; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers, Jerry Shook, Steve Shook, and Dan Shook.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, at 11:00 AM with a luncheon immediately following at the Ithaca Community Center. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Barden Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Susan Mast ALS Foundation at https://www.susanmastals.org/donation/. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Marilee mouser]

Dearest Chad, Jill, Paige, and Skylar, I am so sorry to learn that your mom and grandmom is gone. This was a lovely obit and clearly she had a wonderful life—-I hope memories of such sustain you

[Carrie Merchant]

Lona was such a great friend to my mom, Linda, and she was a large part of my childhood. Sending love to the family.

[Cassie Sutcliff]

We are so sorry for your loss John and Emily. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold on to the wonderful memories you have of your life and times with your mom. Love from Cassie Noel Titan and Cali.

[Michele Jones]

I am sorry for your loss my heart goes out to you all. Lona was a caring and giving friend . I worked with her at the prison in Carson City, and yes she was a very fierce lady. She didn’t take shit from no one. I will always treasure my friendship I had with her.

[Bob & Mary Tubbs]

Thoughts and prayer to all the Family. May God watch over and comfort you through this difficult time. Lona was a great neighbor.

[Lou Clark]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Lona was an awesome person. Always laughing and making everyone happy. I worked with her at Carson City prisons. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

[Nancy E Gulick]

My thoughts go to all of you, Brad, Chad, John and Joe, and Larry. Your family were wonderful neighbors and friends. I have wonderful memories of living next door and sharing our lives together. Halloween, birthday's, camping together, motorcycles and all our graduation parties. Love to all of you.

[Connie Gager VanHall]

So sorry for your loss. Have missed you all for a long time. It's been over 40 years since we all went to Ithaca Wesleyan together. Many happy times. She reached many.

[Davie May]

Brad so very sorry to hear, have very fond memories of your mom as kids. She raised a great family and I’m sure was very proud of you all.

[Jade]

I was Lana’s caregiver. When first met Lana I knew we were going to be best friends. Lana and I had a very close relationship in just a short amount of time. Lana will always a have a piece of my heart.Lana was an amazing person and I wish I had met her sooner. She gave me hope and changed me for the better. She was family. Rest in peace beautiful ❤️

[Yolanda Reyes]

So sad to read the new of Lona's passing. Lona was my cheerleading coach in high school and later I worked with her in Carson City when she worked foodservice. She was a hoot to be around. Every chance I could get at work I would stop in and visit with her. She will be missed immensely!

[Bob and Bev Adams]

Brad, Chad, and Family,
So sorry to hear of Lona’s passing. We met her a couple of times.
Very nice lady! We’ll be thinking of you all and praying for you during this very difficult time.