Deloris Y. Shotwell, 85, of Ocala,Florida, passed away peacefully on June 26th, 2020, at the Ted & Diane Brandley House in Summerfield, Florida.
Deloris is survived by her sister, Barbara (Herbert) Komnick; sons, Steven and Keith Shotwell; grandchildren, Kristie (John) Baudino, Jesse (Regina) Carlton, Michael (Michelle) Luis, Melissa (Bryan) Cole, Devlin (Krystal) Shotwell, Brian (Jessica) Shotwell; great-grandchildren, Gage and Emma Baudino, Dylan and Ella Luis, Ethan, Jensen, Vincent, and Leanna Shotwell, Mason, Gabriel, and Silas Cole; and numerous other family members and friends.
Deloris was born on February 24th, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1954, she married her loving husband, the late Herbert D. Shotwell, with whom she spent 47 beautiful years. Deloris and Herb lived in Glen Carbon, Illinois, until moving to Dunnellon, Florida, in 1998. She was primarily a stay-at-home mother, raising her two sons, but she had a remarkable interest in the medical field. In 1974, with the support of her husband, she pursued a career in nursing, obtaining a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She continued her studies with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) but was forced into retirement in 1976 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Although this disease crippled her career, her Faith in the Lord did not prevent her from making the most of her life.
In 1977, Deloris became a grandmother, igniting a newfound love that continued throughout the end of her life. Deloris endlessly loved and devoted her time to her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Throughout Deloris’s life, she was committed to her church. Deloris was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Collinsville while living in Illinois. After moving to Florida, she continued her membership with the First Presbyterian Church of Ocala. Deloris instilled in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the importance of having a relationship with the Lord.
Some of her other favorite pastimes included reading mystery novels, talking on the phone with her best friends, creating family photo albums, bird watching and enjoying the company of her family dog, Muffin.
Deloris’s smile could light up the room and her heart - pure gold. Selfless, gracious, sincere, and calm all describe the beauty of this incredible woman.
A private memorial service to celebrate Deloris’ life was held at Lighthouse of Orange Springs. Donations can be made in memory of Deloris Y. Shotwell to the Presbyterian Church of Dunnellon, Florida, the Presbyterian Church of Ocala, Florida, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate .