Wilma Mae (Whittington) Shaw, 97, of Xenia, went Home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Friends Care Center in Yellow Springs. She was born June 27, 1929, in Xenia, Ohio, the daughter of Loren and Goldie Linkhart Whittington.

A proud 1947 graduate of Xenia Central High School, Wilma was a faithful, devoted member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Xenia. Over the years, she served in church leadership as President of the United Methodist Women for many years and lovingly took care of the altar. Her commitment to her community ran just as deep, faithfully working at the election polls for over half a century.

Wilma married the love of her life, William J. “Bill” Shaw, and together they spent 70 wonderful years building a home filled with warmth, faith, and laughter. She took deep pride in her home and was never happier than when she had her hands in the dirt, spending countless hours tending her flower garden alongside Bill.

Wilma’s light shone brightly in everything she did. Above all, she treasured her role as a mother and reveled in every accomplishment of her daughters. Sharp as a tack, she was an avid reader and an unexpected sports authority—frequently surprising people with her deep knowledge of college basketball and her passionate devotion to the Dayton Flyers. She cherished her pets throughout her life, with her cat, Mia, being a particular light in her later years.

Defined by her cheerful nature and quick laugh, Wilma carried that same gentle, sweet spirit into her final months. Even while facing physical pain, her enduring kindness touched everyone around her. Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful teams at Friends Care Center, Hospice of Dayton, and Golden Heart Senior Care—in particular, Angelina, ShaKiya, Pam, Theresa, Helen, and Hui, who loved and tended to Wilma as if she were family. Deepest thanks are also extended to the many friends and loved ones whose prayers, cards, and visits sustained both Wilma and her daughters.

She is survived by two daughters, Cathy (Richard) Preibisch and Lori (Richard) Robol; three bonus grandsons, Thomas, Robert, and Charles Robol; numerous nieces and nephews; and many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill, on March 5, 2020; two sisters, Wilda M. Whittington and Esther Eileen Whittington; and three brothers, Charles Whittington, Larry Whittington, and Max Whittington.

A Celebration of Wilma’s Life will be held at 12 noon, Wednesday, September 2, at the Evangelical United Methodist Church, Xenia. Family will meet friends following the service. Private burial will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Xenia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 195 W. Third St., Xenia, OH 45385. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.