Verla Elizabeth Shaw

     Verla Elizabeth Shaw, 98, of Ithaca, passed away peacefully at her winter home in Ellenton, Florida, on August 2, 2025.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
     Born on February 2, 1927, to Oscar and Flora (Brown) Naffziger; Verla was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1946, and married the love of her life, Wilbur A Shaw, on October 26, 1949. Together they shared 69 wonderful years of marriage.
     Verla is survived by her son, Rodney “Bill” (Hilda) Shaw of North Fort Myers, Florida; and her daughter, Connie “Susie” (Jack) Kern of Ithaca, Michigan; her three grandchildren: Anthony Shaw of Byron Center, MI; Jeremy Kern of Haverhill, Florida; and Eric Kern of Wesley Chapel, FL. She also leaves behind many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur A Shaw; her parents, Oscar and Flora Naffziger; and her sisters: Mildred Clagg, Thelma Wasson, Edith Naffziger, and Erma Billingsley.
     Verla’s greatest joy was her family. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with her whole heart, celebrated their milestones, supported them through challenges, and wrapped each one in her quiet, steady love. Verla’s life was rooted in hard work and unwavering devotion. She and Bill worked hand-in-hand on their family farm, where Verla wasn’t just a helping hand but a cornerstone of the operation; whether driving trucks or tractors, or feeding the crews, she did it all with confidence and grace. She remained actively involved in the farm’s bookkeeping until her final days.
     She was sharp-minded, fiercely determined, and never one to back down from a challenge — qualities that served her well throughout her life. Her strong will was matched only by her often unintentional (and always memorable) humor, which left those around her laughing — often when they least expected it.
     Verla’s kitchen was always open, filled with the smell of her wonderful cinnamon rolls, parker house rolls, and other homemade treats. Family often had favorite requests. Holidays were her specialty; her delicious food and loving traditions made many memories around the table.
     She and Bill also shared a love for adventure; together they traveled across the United States in their RVs and enjoyed several cruises in the Caribbean. For over 50 years, they spent their winters in Florida, enjoying warm sunshine and even warmer friendships.
     A woman of deep faith, Verla was a devoted member of her church and taught Sunday school for many years. Verla’s legacy of love, strength, faith, and kindness will live on in all who were blessed to know her.
     Memorials may be made in Verla’s memory to Ithaca Church of God or Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton, Florida. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.