Laura Lea “Lori” Shaver, daughter of Richard Earl and Virginia Lea (Arnett) Hoover, was born March 31, 1961 in Fukuoka, Japan. She departed this life early Monday morning, Oct. 19, 2020, at the age of 59 years, 6 months and 19 days in her home at Hartville. Lori found pride in being a self-proclaimed “Air Force brat” and moving all over the country during her childhood. Her summers were spent in Hartville with her loving grandparents, Gene and Jewell Arnett. Although she moved several times, her heart was always in Hartville, and that is where she chose to make her home and raise her family. Lori was a 1979 graduate of Hartville High School. After graduating, Lori began her career working as a bookkeeper at the Hartville Mill; she also was a bookkeeper at the Wright County Soil and Water, Doug Crisp Motors, Kosters Auto Parts and Hicks Construction. At the time of her death, she worked as a sales associate at Dollar General in Grovespring. Lori was a hard worker and a dedicated employee wherever she worked. While attending Hartville High School, Lori met her future husband, Wendell Ray Shaver. Their first date was a deer hunt in Nov. 1978. They didn’t kill a deer that day, but after sharing their first kiss under a cedar bough, they knew they had found their forever “dear.” Lori and Wendell married on Oct. 26, 1979 and made their forever home north of Hartville. They would have two children, Casey Lea (Shaver) Boyd and Grant Ray Shaver.
Lori is survived by her husband, Wendell Ray Shaver of the home. Also surviving are their children, Casey Lea Boyd and her husband, Craig, of Grovespring, and Grant Ray Shaver and his significant other, Lindsay Vo, of Springfield; two grandchildren, Rylea and Trenton Boyd; a brother, David Hoover, of Wasilla, Alaska; her mother-in-law, Rita Shaver, of Hartville; many relatives and friends; her cherished canine companion Winnie; and two grandpets, Petrie and Zuzu. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Mark Hoover; and her father-in-law, Chester “Chet” Shaver. Lori was saved at a young age and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She volunteered countless hours in her community through the many organizations she took part in, including acting as coordinator for MOCAP in the Hartville area. Lori and her husband were Community Betterment Program mentors for youth in Hartville/Grovespring area and attended the MCB conference in Columbia for several years where they shared the stage with the governor and other top government officials, along with the youth group, to accept top honors in their category. Lori and Wendell were honored by the Hartville Area Chamber of Commerce with the Darrell J. Hunter Award for community involvement. Although Lori was a dedicated hard worker and volunteer, her family always came first. She spent every moment she could with her family, enjoying many activities such as hunting, cat fishing and arrowhead hunting. She loved the beach, and her ideal vacation was always a trip to the ocean. Lori was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. She loved watching her dear Chiefs playing football, and the highlight was watching them win the Superbowl in 2020. Above all else, her title of “Grammie” meant the entire world to her. Everything took second place to being with her grandchildren. She spent many hours creating crafts she could complete with them. She never missed a special event of theirs and was so incredibly proud of them. Her grandkids adored her and couldn’t wait to spend time with their Grammie. The impression she has made in their life will be carried in their hearts forever. Lori was a loving wife, mother, grammie, sister, aunt and friend. She was known for her beautiful smile that could light up an entire room. Her passing has created a void on this earth that can never be filled. Like the brightness of the sun, her smile will forever light the hearts of those who knew her.
A memorial has been established to the family, donations can be made through Holman-Howe Funeral Home, P. O. Box 236, Hartville, Mo. 65667. Services were held on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. at the Elk Creek Baptist Church in Hartville with the Rev. Steven Boyd and Steve Shaver. Escorts were Craig Boyd, Wayne Shaver, Mike Schmidt, Wyatt Shaver, Steve Shaver and Jeff Dewater. Honorary escorts were Trenton Boyd, Wesley Stoway, Mike Pasley, Jared Shaver, David Hiller, Randy Hudson and Jacob Barnett. The final resting place was in Shaddy Cemetery in Grovespring.
