Obituary of Virginia R. Shemwell

Virginia R. Shemwell, age 92, of Shorewood, IL and formerly the Evansville, Indiana area, passed away peacefully at home at The Timbers of Shorewood on  Saturday evening June 12, 2021.

She was born October 5, 1928 in Detroit, MI to the late Gaylen and Nettie (Longstreth) Early, and was raised in nearby Roseville, MI.  Soon after her marriage in 1949 to her husband, Ray Shemwell, they moved to Evansville, where they made their home and raised their family.

Virginia was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be remembered for her warm personality and wonderful sense of humor.  She loved being a homemaker and taking care of her family but also worked over twenty years for Tri-State Leasing in Evansville. 

After her retirement and the loss of her husband, she moved to Shorewood, where she began volunteering at The Timbers of Shorewood and was responsible for the starting of the General Store where she continued to share her time and talents   until two years ago.

Surviving are her daughter, Judy (Larry) Raffe of Shorewood, IL; son, Donald Ray (Rita) Shemwell of Evansville; grandchildren, Donald Ray Shemwell, Jr., Stacia (Mike) Sheeler, Angie (Justin) Wellmeier, Ben (Taylor) Raffe and Alison (Rodney) Kennison; and great-grandchildren, Alexander, Ayla, Kayla and Lucas.  Two sisters, Joyce Nardelli and Mildred Ruggero also survive as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray, and her parents.

As it was Virginia’s wish, cremation rites have been accorded.  Later this summer, she will be interred with her late husband at Oak Hill Cemetery in Evansville.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.