Mary Shellabarger Cleave's Obituary
Mary Shellabarger Cleave, 92, passed away September 12, 2020, after a brief stay in hospital
and physical therapy while trying to return to her home in Primrose Retirement Community of
Decatur, where she had enjoyed life for the past 7 years. Mary was born January 31, 1928, in
Salina, Kansas, to Maud (Dunlap) Shellabarger and William Lincoln Shellabarger, Jr. She lived in
Decatur almost all her life except when she was away at boarding schools including Hacienda
Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona, Ferrie Hall and Dana Hall, and at universities that included
Connecticut College, University of Illinois, and University of Southern California, where she
graduated with a degree in math. She was very good in the sciences, achieving the highest test
score in physics they had seen at Dana Hall, while also playing goalie for the field hockey team.
Mary Dunlap Shellabarger met young Scott William Cleave, Jr. at Bidwell’s Tavern on a football
weekend in Urbana, and they were married a few years later, on November 25, 1955, in
Decatur, Illinois, where she grew up. She was a marvelous homemaker and chef, raising four
boys who will miss her dearly. Surviving are her four children, Scott (Paula) of Evanston, Illinois,
John (Mary Beth) also of Evanston, Illinois, Robert (Michelle) of Half Moon Bay, California, and
William (Cynthia) of Pennington, New Jersey; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and
her younger sister, Helen (Richard) Clark of Bellevue, Washington. Mary had many lifelong
friends in Decatur and elsewhere and enjoyed frequent parties with them. Her sons remember
her distinctive laugh during “bridge club” parties where they think nary a hand of cards was
played. As the children launched out, Mary rekindled her love of art, taking classes at local
universities and colleges then helping to open Gallery 510 in her beloved great aunt’s former
home on Decatur Street. She showed her paintings, jewelry and ceramics throughout the area
and held art workshops for local school groups. She leaves behind a community made richer by
her contributions, memories of many close friends, and the legacy of a loving mother and
spouse that remains foundational for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She
was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Scott, and her older sister, Anne (Ira)
Abbott.
In lieu of flowers, her family asks you to support Decatur Memorial Hospital Hospice Fund,
which Mary and her parents supported through the years. There will be a private family service
at her family’s room in the Fairlawn Mausoleum.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
