Shelby Jean Whitcraft

Lancaster -  Shelby Jean Whitcraft, 77, of Lancaster, formerly of Albany, died Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Ohio State University Hospital.  

Born October 7, 1947, in Logan, WV, she was the daughter of the late John Edward and Frances Pauline Bowen Watkins.  Around the house Shelby loved to cook, talk to her birds and take care of her many houseplants.  Cruises, boating and riding off road  trails were all activists which she and Howard enjoyed together.  She also enjoyed crafting with beads and to color. Her love for old country music and dancing was infectious; she never missed a chance to hit the dance floor, where her vivacious spirit could truly shine.  She would often dance till Howard said “no more!’

She is survived by her husband of forty-one years, Howard A. Whitcraft; two daughters, Tonia (Ryan) Brickles and Kayla Whitcraft; two sons, Matt and Brian Whitcraft; eight grandchildren, Alyssa, Blake, Logan, Braxton, Karly, Taelor, Makenha and Makhila; two great grandchildren and one sister, Lois Lamb.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Dallas and a sister Betty Prater.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at the Hughes Funeral Home in Athens with James Dimel officiating.  Burial will follow at Bates Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until noon.  Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at ehwfh.com.  In lieu of flowers, Shelby’s wishes are that donations be made to the Bates Cemetery Association, 5759 Bates Road Athens, Ohio 45701.