Mathel Shaw Obituary (2022)

WATCH LIVE FUNERAL STREAM HERE (1:00 PM MST) Webinar ID: 954 6043 5783 Maythel Elison Shaw passed from this life at age 97 on December 11, 2022 in Orem, Utah after living a full and wonderful life. She was born at home in Malta, Idaho to John A. and Mary E. Elison. Her birth was attended by Dr. Sater, a good country doctor who perhaps drank too much and had to be sobered up with black coffee before he could help with the birth. May was the youngest of eight children. She was the last living member of her family. She was preceded in death by both parents, her two brothers, Lano and Elmo Elison, her five sisters, Thera, Lorada, Annabell, Okla, and Rachel Elison, her husband, Donald Shaw, and a grandaughter, Mijkin Shaw. May grew up in Malta, graduating from Raft River High School. While in school, she worked for local farmers helping with cooking, washing and doing housework to earn money for school clothes. After graduation, she attended BYU for a year before moving back to Malta. She worked at Shirley Barlow's Conoco service station during the war years and was always proud that she knew how to pump gas, change tires, and fix cars as well as the men. Her father served as President of the Raft River Stake for over 27 years and they frequently hosted General Authorities in their home, including Marion G Romney, Spencer Kimball, and many others. Her mother was an immaculate housekeeper and she passed this same talent and drive to May. May's house was always clean and organized. May was also an excellent bookkeeper and always knew to the penny all of the household finances. Growing up in Malta, she knew Don Shaw, but had never associated much with him. One day he invited her to go to Ogden with him to see his sister. May was a good friend of his sister and agreed to go. On this trip--their first 'date'- Don proposed to May. She was shocked and thought he was joking. He was not and presented her with a ring. After getting over the shock, May agreed to date Don. Not long after they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1946. Don passed away in 1990. Together, they had four beautiful and talented children: Dan (Paula) Shaw, Donna (Doug) Mitchell, KC (Judy) Shaw, and Kelly (Launette) Shaw. She is the grandmother to 16 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. May was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in numerous positions in the church, including president of ward and Stake Relief Society and Young Women organizations. She also served as a missionary in Tampa, Florida with her husband. She enjoyed traveling and she and Don directed several world tours with the BYU folk dancers. May's life revolved around service, family, and the Gospel. She was happiest when serving others or surrounded by her family and was so uncomfortable when anyone tried to serve her. She did not like the spotlight and much preferred to serve rather than be served. Rarely could you walk into her house without her first asking "Can I get you something to eat?". She could never just sit, but always had to be doing something with her hands. She was an expert crocheter and made hundreds of potholders. No stranger left her house without being offered a set of potholders. May was a widow for over 32 years. After Don's passing, she would spend winters in St. George and had many wonderful adventures and made life-long friends. She loved to golf, bowl, and travel with her St. George and Orem friends. Her family wishes to thank the administrators, nurses, and CNA's at Aspen Ridge of Utah County in Orem and Melissa, Angie, and Denise of Aspen Ridge Hospice for their compassionate and expert care of May during her last few days. A greeting will take place Saturday, December 17, 2022 in the Orem Suncrest Stake LDS Chapel located at 95 North 600 West in Orem, UT, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., with funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. MST. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery (1520 North 800 East, Orem) immediately following the funeral service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.