Obituary for Shelby Hanson
Shelby Hanson
05/06/1944 - 03/18/2023
Shelby Jean Hanson of Westerville, Ohio was born on May 6, 1944 in Warren, Ohio and passed away on March 18, 2023. Although born in Warren, the family moved to Erie, PA in 1947 where she lived until 1965. She is proceeded in death by her mother Jean Donato, father James Olson, stepfather Al Donato, sister Carol, nieces and nephews. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Paul Hanson, her daughter and son-in-law Kirsten and Jason Hoffman, three grandchildren Nathan, Audrey and Juliet Hoffman, sister Tina Phillips, nieces and nephews.
She and her husband Paul met in high school when she was 16 and he was 18. After 4 years of dating and engagement they were married on January 3, 1965 at St. John's Church in Erie, PA. She was an avid reader and excelled at cross stitch. While living in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, her local frame shop requested the okay to hang her framed cross stitch works so people could see what a finished piece should look like. A special occasion that was enjoyed each Friday night, with long time friends, was getting together for dinner and conversation at a local restaurant. This gathering with as many as 20 friends was called "Fricc".
She enjoyed 35 years of summer trips to Lake Cumberland, KY with friends renting houseboats and relaxing on the lake. Highlights in the last 15 years were led by family vacations to the Outer Banks and Rehoboth for quality time with grandchildren and extended family. She also enjoyed trips with good friends to Hocking Hills to rent cabins and enjoy good food, wine and Trivial Pursuit. Her extensive knowledge of trivia added to many fun nights of Trivial Pursuit with family. She was also a long time card player who enjoyed Pinochle, Canasta, Yuchre, Bridge and even a quick game of Pickle.
She was able to ascertain the special qualities in each of her grandchildren and always be there for a long talk of helpful advice. She could be depended on to have a smile and encouraging word for family and friends and will be missed by all.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 12th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Hill Funeral Home, 220 South State Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry), Mid-Ohio Food Bank or LSS (Lutheran Social Services).