Della Napier Shatto

Della Napier Shatto died Sunday, June 14, 2009 of heart failure. She was the daughter of William and Della Napier and lived in Mississippi while growing up. She was married to Paul F. Shatto for nearly 35 years, he preceded her in death on Oct. 28, 1981.

Della and Paul raised five strong independent children, Barbara Zipfel, Sue Shatto, Nancy Shatto, Rebecca Shatto, and John Shatto.

Della worked at Hood College for the United Church of Christ for many years. She attended Hood in order to complete her degree in political science and she was captain of the Hood tennis team. Her studies included an internship with Senator Mathias on Capital Hill, during this time her husband died.

Then, she embarked on what was to be a great adventure! She joined the Foreign Service! Her posts were Paris, Barbados, Belgrade, Geneva, and accompanied President George H. Bush to Moscow. This new life began at the age of 60. Her whole family got to enjoy each place she went. It was a fantastic shared experience for all.

She then met Norman Ficken, her dearest friend of many years. It was amazing to see two people that were both so athletic and energetic. They shared the loved of most all of their sports, music, and plays. One of Della's greatest pleasures was playing tennis. She also golfed, bowled, played bridge, belonged to two book clubs, the "do nothing garden club," and the Art Club. Della was a volunteer tutor for the Literacy Council, a board member of Social Services, and a worker for her political candidates.

Della managed a large family, worked outside the home, and still had time for play and entertaining. She surrounded herself with loving friends and was a great friend to all. She was proud of her family, and they were always proud of her.

There will be a gathering of friends to celebrate Della's life at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at Mount Olivet Mausoleum Chapel, 515 S. Market St.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a donation for a memorial bench in Baker Park overlooking the tennis courts. Send checks to Friends of Baker Park, Inc., Box 4146, Frederick, MD 21705. Be sure to write for the Shatto Memorial Bench.

Arrangements are by Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, Frederick.