Rose Theresa (LaPrairie) Shotley

Rose Theresa (LaPrairie) Shotley

May 15, 1918 ~ February 16, 2019 (age 100)

Rose Theresa LaPrairie Shotley, "Waabegon", age 100 of Cloquet, MN, died on February 16, 2019. Rose was born on May 15, 1918, to Henry and Delma (Couture) La Prairie. Preceding her in death are her husband Eugene Shotley and son Gene Shotley. Rose is survived by her children; Naomi Barnard, Corinne Hutman, LaVern Shotley and Suzanne Lauritsen. Grandchildren are Kristine, LuAnn, Barbara, Stefanie, Michael, John, Michelle, Adam "Bug", Bobby, Christopher and her special dog Mitzi. Rose has many beloved great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Rose prayed for all her family and goodness knows we needed them. In addition to doing her rosary she would lay tobacco down for the spirits, just to be sure her prayers got through. She would say, "I love my people" and it showed. In any crisis she would help in any way she could; compassion, empathy and prayer were her strengths.

1918, the year Rose was born, the Great Firestorm of Cloquet happened when she was 6 months old. Her parents, Henry and Delma LaPrairie, put their children in a well and went to fight the fires. Rose's older brother George "Chick" LaPrairie was holding her, and while the fires raged around them Rose sang little baby songs!

Rose attended what she called "Sister School" in Bayfield, WI, until the 8th grade which was then considered enough education for girls. She loved to read, and even in her last days at home would read two newspapers a day. Rosie loved her Elvis and danced into her mid-80's. She had sparkling eyes and a great sense of humor; she loved to repeat her favorite, funny stories about people and laugh again. No one was left untouched by her memories.

Rose was a force of nature in her family, beloved and her loss is profound. She was ready to leave us when she did, and we are grateful to have had her in our lives. Not many people lived to see what she has experienced in her 100+ years here.

Rose was a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Services are being held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet beginning with visitation at 10:00 am, Rosary at 10:30, and service at 11:00. A meal will be served at the Fond du Lac ENP at 12:30.

Pallbearers are Adam Lauritsen, Michael Choate, Dan LaPrairie, Clarence Smith, Christopher Abramowski, and Kevin Olson. Honorary pallbearers are Jerome Gahbow, Steven Shotley, and David Smith.

Arrangements by Souder-Handevidt Funeral Services serving Cloquet, Minnesota.