Rita Jean Shaw, 86, of Staunton, died on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at the Community Hospital of Staunton.
According to her wishes, no services are planned. Hough-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Mrs. Shaw was born on Sept. 10, 1939, one of six children born to Pete and Doris (Carleton) Libbra. She married John Shaw in Litchfield and they were together until his passing. She owned Shaw’s Club 66 Bar and Grill on Old Route 66 in Litchfield, which was a popular local spot for decades, until she retired.
Her favorite color was purple, and although small in stature, she liked to describe herself as both feisty and sassy. It was important to her to have her makeup on and her hair perfectly fixed each day. She loved being outside in the sunshine, being outdoors with her flowers, music by Elvis, playing card games, reading and she enjoyed making sure she took her daily walk. She loved the residents and staff at Staunton Health and Rehab, where she developed a close friendship with her roommate Karen, considering herself to be home there. She enjoyed all their activities, especially bingo and Hillbilly Church. She is described as a real people person and was loved by everyone she met.
Mrs. Shaw is survived by three sons, Jeffrey (Tracy) Shaw of Gillespie, James Shaw of Litchfield and Jay (Michelle) Shaw of Lake St. Louis, MO; brothers, Pete “Butch” Libbra and Joseph (Vickie) Libbra; sister, Diana (Jerry) Shaw; daughter-in-law, Angela Shaw of Staunton; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Johnny Shaw; granddaughter, Deaven Shaw; brother, Ronnie Libbra and sister, Sherry Lyon.
Condolences may be left at www.houghdeanfh.com.
