Betty Ann Shavis

Betty Ann Shavis Betty Ann Shavis, 90, departed this life on Tuesday, August 19, 2014. She was the daughter of Fredrick J. and Ethel F. Holzbaur. She was born July 29, 1924, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, where she graduated from high school and continued her education at Gunston Hall in Washington, D.C. and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a member of the Church of Our Saviour in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, John Millard Shavis. She is survived by her son, Mike Shavis and his wife, Wanda, of Free Union; a daughter, Laura Shavis of Troy, Virginia; a grandson, Brad Shavis of Charlottesville, Virginia; a step-granddaughter, Audra Hancock of Free Union, Virginia; a nephew, Randy Shavis and his wife, Linda, of Richmond, Virginia; a nephew, Joe Stapleton and his wife, Regina, of Stevenson, Alabama; and a niece, Lou Howard and her husband, John, of Richmond, Virginia; as well as eight granddogs. Ann was a devoted, unselfish mother, grandmother and friend who always put other's interests and needs above her own. She was an avid reader and was constantly trying to further her range of knowledge. She enjoyed playing games, doing puzzles and spent many hours watching the birds, deer and other animals in the neighborhood. She loved the ocean and took great peace in watching the waves. She was a sports fan as well with a particular love for ice hockey. Ann was a lover of history and her family heritage was of great pride to her. She loved to look at old photographs and reminisce. She was a proud and direct descendant of the discoverer of Typhoid Mary. Other notable direct ancestors were the inventor of the autoharp, as well as a sea ship's captain in the mid-1800's and a traveling salesman and author. Her mother was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her father was an Army captain of the cavalry in World War I, an accomplishment of which she was particularly proud. A private interment service will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Charlottesville. Ann's desire was to have her relatives and friends remember her individually so there will be no public memorial service or family visitation scheduled. In lieu of flowers, Ann's request was to have donations made in her memory to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, the National Wildlife Federation or the Church of Our Saviour. The family would like to extend special thanks to Kelly White, RPN and the rest of the staff at Martha Jefferson Hospital who helped to make Ann's passing peaceful for all. Many thanks also go out to the countless friends and neighbors who assisted in times of need and provided much love and support.