Elaine Retberg Shetler's Obituary
Elaine Retberg Shetler, 83, longtime resident of Sterling, VA, passed away on February 20th at Heritage Hall in Leesburg. She was born on June 26th, 1942 in South Haven, Michigan to Louis and Verna Retberg, the 2nd of 6 children. She attended South Haven High School where she excelled at academics and played saxophone in the marching band. She was proud to attend the University of Michigan where she studied Biology. Upon marrying her husband of over 50 years, Stanwyn Shetler, she joined him in his move to the Washington, DC area when he received employment at the Smithsonian Institution. She completed her degree at the University of Maryland and was briefly employed at the Smithsonian. Elaine joined Stanwyn on his international adventures and assisted his fieldwork in the wildernesses of Alaska and Siberia.
In 1970, Elaine and Stanwyn adopted their son, Stephen, followed by their daughter Lara in 1972. She committed herself to the raising of her two children and continued supporting her husband's scientific research, including material collaboration on a doctoral dissertation. Elaine was also a dedicated volunteer for Birthright in Leesburg, being recognized as that organization's longest serving volunteer. She received the Loudoun County Outstanding Woman of the Year award in 2004, citing her dedication to women's health. Elaine was a long-time Sunday school teacher at Leesburg Church of the Nazarene as well as serving in other youth activities leadership roles.
Elaine is survived by brothers Arthur, Paul, and Larry, sisters Phyllis and Debbie, children Stephen and Lara, their spouses Julia and Robert, and granddaughters Veronic and Isabell. Her husband Stanwyn preceded her in death.
A celebration of Elaine's life will be held on March 24th at 11 AM at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA. The service will also be streamed. Flowers are accepted.
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