Lori Ann DeShazo, 57, passed away September 24, 2024. Born July 24, 1967, Lori was a vibrant presence known for her love of running, surfing and her adventurous spirit in traveling and shopping. She pursued her education at Howell Valley R-1 Elementary, graduated from West Plains High School and earned a degree from Missouri State University. Lori’s career in publishing took her across North Carolina, California and New York, before she returned to her roots in Missouri. Throughout her life, Lori remained devoted to her Catholic faith. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Lori was a lover of the arts, frequently visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art and she held a deep affection for animals, surrounding herself with many beloved pets. Her hobbies weren’t just pastimes but passions that reflected her lively and engaging personality. She enjoyed watching her nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her sister, Jennifer Burtrum and husband, Robert, of West Plains; nephews, Bo Burtrum and Hunter Burtrum and his wife, Cheyane; niece, McKenzie Burtrum, all of West Plains; and several cousins.
Her parents, Patrick and Judith DeShazo, brother, Patrick DeShazo, Jr., paternal grandparents, Henry and Margaret DeShazo, maternal grandparents, James and Mary Jane Akridge and grandmother, Helen Akridge, preceded her in death.
A private Celebration of Life Service and burial will be held at a later date. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made honoring Lori’s love for animals, to West Plains Animal Shelter and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
