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.