Betty Jean Shaw

May 27, 1930 – October 8, 2026

Betty Jean Shaw, age 96, passed away on October 8, 2026, in Red Wing, Minnesota, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, friendship, and service to others.

Betty was born on May 27, 1930, in Lacon, Illinois, to Everett White and Goldia Tucker. In 1949, she married Robert E. “Bob” Shaw, beginning a life together filled with family, friendship, travel, and cherished memories. In 1975, they moved to Florida, where they became active in their church and community. Betty returned to Red Wing in 2018, where she spent her final years.

A Life of Faith, Family, and Friendship

Betty’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life. She and Bob devoted many years to ELCA St. John Lutheran Church in Winter Park, Florida, where Betty sang in the choir and generously gave of her time. She also devoted many years to BETA Center in Orlando, a program that supported pregnant young women and young families through education, resources, and guidance. Her family was deeply proud of her dedication to this meaningful work and learned so much from watching her serve others with such compassion, generosity, and love.

Known for her gracious style, clever sense of humor, and welcoming spirit, Betty had a gift for making friends and making others feel at home. An excellent cook, she especially loved hosting holiday gatherings where family and friends could share good food, laughter, and lasting memories. She enjoyed playing cards, particularly pinochle, knitting, and traveling the world with Bob.

Betty was proud to be an American and deeply valued her citizenship. She continued to vote well into her later years, a reflection of the pride she held in her country.

Her family brought her a lifetime of joy, and the family pets, affectionately known as her grandpets, brought her special happiness, companionship, and comfort in her later years.

Her Family Legacy

Betty and Bob raised three daughters: Susan Marie Shaheen, who preceded her in death in 1998 (Late former husband Dennis); Christine Ann Chavez, widow of the late Daniel Chavez; and Lisa Jo Steding (Late former husband Michael Steding).

Betty was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren:

· Robert Shaheen (Kirsten)

· DeLonne Whipple (Michael)

· Terra Sterlace (Scott)

· Justin Chavez

· Audra Steding (Richard)

· Dawnelle Steding

Her legacy continues through nine great-grandchildren:

· Brianna Sigler

· Brielle Sterlace

· Jacob Sigler (Martina)

· Tayler Whipple (Austin)

· Nadia Hines (Wyatt)

· Serena Sterlace

· Dayne Whipple (Kenzie)

· Minta Shaheen

· Dominic Steding

She was also blessed with three great-great-grandchildren: Azalia Buck, Beau Buck, and Drexton Sigler.

Betty’s family was her greatest treasure. The faith she shared, traditions she created, meals she served, friendships she nurtured, and love she gave will live on through the generations who were fortunate enough to know her.