Eloise Laird Shaw

Obituary
Eloise Laird Shaw
August 28, 1929- October 17, 2025
Eloise Laird Shaw, 96, passed away on October 17, 2025 at the Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation center. She lived a life full of purpose, adventure, and connection - one that wove together education, politics, and a genuine love for people.
Born to Glendon and Vivian (Hayes) Laird on August 28, 1929, Eloise grew up with a strong sense of family and curiosity about the world. Following her father's passing, the family moved to California for a time before returning to Wyoming, settling in Worland after a stop in Riverton. It was in Worland where Eloise first met John Shaw. The two became high school sweethearts before life took them in different directions after graduation.
Eloise graduated from high school in 1947 and headed to the University of Wyoming in Laramie. She worked for the telephone company and Gates Rubber Company in Denver, before beginning her teaching career in Superior, Wyoming - an experience she remembered fondly. She spent a year teaching in Long Island, New York, and then to Germany, where she developed her lifelong affection for long-haired dachshunds.
After returning to Wyoming and completing her degree, Eloise found her true calling - politics. A chance encounter with Pete and Alan Simpson at a University of Wyoming football scrimmage led her to put her name in for a position with Milward Simpson's Senate campaign. Simpson had been a college roommate and close friend of Eloise's father, and that connection became the start of something much bigger.
Eloise quickly became an integral part of Milward Simpson's campaign, traveling around the state to recruit voters and lead campaign efforts. She also served as personal secretary to Lorna Simpson, embracing the social and organizational whirlwind of campaign life. When Simpson was elected, Eloise moved to Washington, D.C., as his receptionist.
She spent eight years working with the Simpsons and loved every minute of it - the people, the pace, the purpose. Politics energized her. After her time in Washington, she returned to Wyoming and joined Governor Stan Hathaway's team for two years before taking on a leadership role as vice-chairman of the Wyoming Republican Central Committee, serving for five years in Cheyenne. It was during these years Eloise built lifelong friendships.
In the spring of 1975, Eloise reconnected with her high school sweetheart, John Shaw. They reunited over a Fourth of July weekend and soon realized their story had come full circle - they were married on November 1, 1975 and started their married life in Mountain Home, Idaho.
After John retired from the Air Force in 1976, they decided to return to their roots in Worland. Shortly after returning, John and Eloise established a brokerage service with Investors Diversified Services, which later merged with American Express. Eloise worked from home as John's receptionist during those early years, supporting both the business and the community she loved.
Back in Worland, Eloise poured her energy into service. She volunteered with United Way, Meals on Wheels, and the Born Again Thrift Store. She was a devoted member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, where she served on the Alter Guild, sang in the PSALM Choir, and participated in Stephen Ministry. Eloise was also an active member of P.E.O., serving in various chapter roles through the years. She also loved participating with the fun loving "Gorgeous Gals" troupe.
Married to John, Eloise became a passionate Wyoming Cowboy fan. She was elected to the Alumni Board for the University of Wyoming, serving one term as president, a role she cherished. She took special pride in the scholarships administered by the UW Alumni Association that benefited students from the Big Horn Basin. Together, John and Eloise also endowed the Shaw Scholarship through the Wyoming Foundation, continuing their legacy of support for higher education.
Eloise and John loved to travel, and they enjoyed many wonderful trips all over the world. Family was everything to them both and they cherished time with family and friends; their Friday night dinners are well remembered. Family gatherings were a yearly occurrence ranging from beaches to ski slopes, or often just enjoying each other at their home, in Worland.
Eloise will be remembered for her quick humor, laughter and for singing louder than everyone at church. Whether she was relaxing with family and friends, entertaining for a good cause, or reading in the "Blue Room" with John, she lived each day with purpose and a huge heart. Her legacy is one of connection, love, laughter, and a life WELL LIVED.
Eloise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John V. Shaw; her parents, Glendon and Vivian (Hayes) Laird; her brother, Lee Laird; and her sisters, Margaret (Margie) Pisto and Francee Farmer.
She is survived by her son, John David Shaw, and his wife, Margaret (Muffie) Douglass Shaw; her daughter, Dinah Shaw Fuller, and her husband, Stephen Fuller; and her grandsons, Matthew Fuller and wife, Krista, and John Fuller and wife, Danielle. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Madeline and Noah, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and
great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at St. Alban's Episcopal Church with Reverand Jim Stewart officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, October 31, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel, and one hour prior to services at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to the Worland Senior Citizens Center or the Wounded Warriors Project in care of Bryant Funeral Home, P.O. Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be shared at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com. Bryant Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.