HOLTON- Vera Lucile Shaw was born September 10, 1916, near Valley Falls, Kansas. The daughter of Melvin Earl & Ida Mae “Summerfelt” Irwin. She passed away April 24, 2020 at the Holton Community Hospital at the age of 103.

She attended Pacific Rural School, and graduated in 1934 from Valley Falls High School as the Valedictorian of her class. She taught four years in the rural schools of that area, and one year at Lower Banner County School south of Holton. During that period, she worked four summers at St John’s Camp in Wisconsin. Lucile moved with her parents and family to Denison in 1939. She was an employee of Slimaker Dress Factory in Holton from 1963 to 1970.

Lucile married Joseph Howard Shaw on September 8, 1940 at the family home north of Denison. They spent their entire married life on a farm north-east of Denison. She was a devoted wife and mother. Their home was always open to guest, missionaries, and evangelist who enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Shaw Home.

She was a lover of the great outdoors, and found much pleasure in gardening as well as growing flowers. For many years she was a Denison Builders 4-H Club leader, and was a faithful member of Denison Bible Church.

Lucile was preceded in death by her husband, Howard, on July 6, 1999. Also preceding her in death were her parents; her step-mother, Pearl Tosh Irwin Hower; 5 brothers, George, Earl, Dale, Clarence, and Kenneth; Four step-sisters, Lora Dixon, Eula Colle, Marjorie Goldsberry, and Wanda Bartsch.

Survivors include three daughters; Judy Jones – Holton, Nancy Ulrich (Dan) – Salina, Sarah Phillips (George) – Holton; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Irwin – Topeka; 8 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 1 Great-great-grandchild; and many nieces & nephews.

Graveside Services will be Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. at Denison Cemetery in Denison, KS. Lucile will lie in state at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton beginning Monday afternoon, April 27, 2020. Memorials may be given to the American Bible Society or Holton Community Hospital c/o Mercer Funeral Home. Due to the critical situation our country is in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website. Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.