Leslie Ellen (Shaver) Shank
Leslie Ellen (Shaver) Shank, 71, of Bridgwater, passed away on May 5, 2026 at Blue Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation in Harrisonburg. She was born September 18, 1954 and was the middle child, and only daughter, of the late George Keith and Mary Jane (Freed) Shaver of Crimora, Virginia. Ellen grew up on a dairy farm in Crimora.
Ellen graduated from Fort Defiance High School in 1973 and from Averett University in Danville, Virginia, in 1977. She was united in marriage to Jerry DeWitt Shank, who survives, in 1979.
For many years, Ellen worked in marketing and sales for various radio stations in Augusta and Rockingham counties. She was the executive director of the Augusta County Fair in Fishersville from 2015 to 2026 and also served on the Augusta County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Ellen had a deep fondness for her church, Summit Church of the Brethren, where she served on various committees and taught Sunday school to the youngest congregants.
Ellen leaves behind one son, Derick and wife Bly, of Grottoes, and two grandchildren, Charleigh and Graham. She is also survived by two brothers, Eddie Shaver and wife Vinda, and Ernest Shaver and wife Melody, both of Crimora, an aunt, Nancy Skaggs and husband Harold of The Villages, Florida, and an uncle, Lyle Shaver and wife Grace of Blue Springs, Missouri, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Charles Landen and his oncology team at UVA for the care and support Ellen received over the last three and a half years.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Summit Church of the Brethren with Pastor Tim Craver officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either UVA Cancer Center and sent to UVA Health Foundation, P.O. Box 37963, Boone, IA 50036, online at cancer.uvahealth.com or Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes, P.O. Box 5042, Hagerstown, MD 21741, online at www.breakthrought1d.org/?s=donations
The family will receive friends following the memorial service.
Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfs.com.
