BENTON -- Marion “Lynn” K. Shotts, 73, passed away Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, in Herrin Hospital, surrounded by her family.
Lynn was born Dec. 10, 1943, in Benton to George and Virginia (Brown) Knapp.
She loved swimming and was an instructor at Camp Cedar Point for the Girl Scouts and later for Macher Swim School in Columbia, Missouri. She attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a bachelor's degree in microbiology. She worked as a lab technician for the health department in Albuquerque, New Mexico, returned to University of Oklahoma and received a master's degree in environmental sanitation.
Lynn met Jamie Shotts in Norman, Oklahoma, and they married Jan. 19, 1969, in Benton. She worked as a sanitarian for the Illinois Department of Health in Marion until moving to Columbia, Missouri, where Allan and Julie were born.
She lived in the country, where she loved to have her favorite chickens, ducks, geese and numerous other pets, along with a large garden, while developing lifelong friendships in the area. She worked at Swim School until forming a product demonstration business, “Presentations Limited” for local businesses.
Lynn moved back to Benton, worked as an instructor at Rend Lake College and at Walmart, became an ardent Saluki fan and lived out her life in the house that she had grown up in.
Survivors include her husband, Jamie; son, Allan (Kelly) Shotts; daughter, Julie Shotts; and two grandchildren, Ally and Kolt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Virginia Knapp; and brother, Don Knapp.
As per her wishes, she will be cremated; a celebration of her life will be scheduled in the future.
Memorial contributions may be made in Lynn’s honor to Benton Public Library, First Baptist Church of Benton or The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida.
Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., in Benton is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.patefh.com.
