Shannon was born on January 1, 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri, a daughter of the late Hubert Pitts and Edna Hamlett.
In addition to her parents, Shannon was preceded in death by her son, Jason Wolfe.
Shannon had a love of life that was infectious. She was a voracious reader, sometimes reading several books in a single day. She loved animals, especially her dogs, Gunner, Greta and the late Lexi. She enjoyed the outdoors, boating and relaxing on Celina Lake with friends and family, tending to her outdoor plants and baskets, and floating in the pool with an ice-cold margarita. She was an amazing host and loved to entertain guests. Everyone would look forward to the exquisite BBQ that she would help Todd prepare and serve. They had plenty of practice preparing world-class BBQ through their many years of owning and operating Smokestack BBQ.
Shannon’s greatest passion, however, was being a caregiver. She devoted her life to caring for the needs of senior citizens and the last three years also caring for Todd. She was the current Community Relations Manager for Enlivant Addison Place, a senior assisted living facility in New Castle, Indiana. She was Aunt Shannon to everyone, and FAS (Favorite Aunt Shannon) to a precious few. Shannon was a rare and special person. It can be said that there has never been and there will never be another like her. Shannon’s favorite quote was, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”.
Shannon is survived by her husband of 26 years, Todd Vanatta, whom she married December 13, 1990; her son, Blane Francis of Overland Park, Kansas City, Missouri; daughter-in-law Nickie Wolfe of Lafayette, Louisiana; her grandchildren, Mason Francis, Olivia Francis, Jackson Wolfe and Mackenzie Wolfe; her sister-in-law (sis), Sandy Baker of Greenville; mother-in-law, Ruth (Vanatta) Fields of Greenville. Shannon also leaves behind her niece Monica (Jason) Hupman; nephews Chad Marker and Jason (Beth) Marker; great nephews, Jacob Gates and Brody Hupman; and great nieces, Rylie, Kayla and Addison Marker, and Haven and Tatum Marker; and special friends, Doreen Drue, Peggy Lynn and Anthony and countless others.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Oliver Floyd Funeral Home in Greenville with Rev. Eric Fee officiating.
Family and friends may visit on Thursday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Funeral Home.
Memorial Contributions may be given to Darke County Humane Society, 7053 OH 49, Greenville, Ohio 45331; Cancer Association of Darke County, P.O. Box 781, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.oliverfloyd.com