Hilda Vae Shoaf

Hilda Vae Leonard Shoaf, 101, entered her eternal rest on November 27, 2025, in Rowan County. Born on July 9, 1924, in Davidson County, Hilda was the cherished daughter of the late Lloyd Valentine Leonard and Myrtle Alley Leonard.

Hilda lived a long, full, and joyful life marked by faith, family, service, and adventure. Known for her love of traveling, she especially treasured the journeys she took with her Christian tour group and her church family-one of the most meaningful being her unforgettable visit to Jerusalem. Her faith remained a guiding light throughout her life, and she was a devoted and active member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Tyro, where she poured her energy, service, and heart into her church community.

Above all else, Hilda adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were truly the light of her life, and she never missed an opportunity to share stories about them or cheer them on in every milestone. She also had a lifelong passion for sports-watching virtually every game she could and proudly supporting her beloved Carolina.

For more than 20 years, Hilda delivered Meals on Wheels, sharing kindness, compassion, and companionship with everyone she met. Her dedication to service touched countless lives in her community.

Hilda is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Isaac Telo Shoaf.

She is survived by her devoted daughter Susan Irwin (Barry); her two cherished grandchildren, Seth Monroe Irwin (Samantha) and Jacob Lee Irwin (Lauren); and her five adored great-grandchildren Silas, Sage, Salem, Kinley, and Kimberlin who brought her immeasurable joy. She also leaves behind a very special friend, Dalias Keifer, whose companionship enriched her later years.

A funeral service honoring Hilda's life will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church with Pastor Angela Powell officiating, with visitation beginning an hour prior at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 4299 S. NC Hwy 150, Lexington, NC 27295.

Hilda's legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.