LaNette Anna Shrock

LaNette Anna Lawrence Shrock was born on June 27, 1924, to John and Minnie Lawrence in Shamrock, Texas. On January 11, 2024 at the age of 99, she heard her Savior speak “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away..”(Song of Songs 2:10) In true LaNette fashion, she listened and obeyed. 

Her gravestone simply reads: LaNette Anna Shrock 6/27/1924–1/11/2024. That dash between the dates represents her story. In those 99 years, she lived, she lost, she loved—oh, how she loved!

She grew up with her sister, Loraine, in a bygone era. Her fondest memories take her back to living on a train car as her parents worked on the railroad. She lived through the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, first as a child and later as a young bride. These challenging times instilled in her an appreciation for the simplicity of life, the joy found in family, and the importance of resourcefulness—skills she used and shared throughout her life.

LaNette’s family eventually settled for a time in Pueblo, Colorado. By the 8th grade, she had already made a name for herself, winning numerous ribbons for square dancing. It was at one of these dances that she first spotted Charles “Pete” Shrock. He was dressed in a red silk shirt, high-waisted jeans with pearl buttons on the pockets, cowboy boots, and a Stetson. LaNette fell in love at first sight and knew they would marry—even if Pete didn’t know it yet. Their brief courtship blossomed into a lifelong love, and at just 15 years old, LaNette married Pete, beginning a beautiful journey together.

Not long after their marriage, LaNette lost her beloved sister, Loraine, during childbirth. Stepping in selflessly, she helped raise her nephew, Larry Lawrence, a role she cherished for the rest of her life.

During the early years of their marriage, Pete served in WWII while LaNette cared for their growing family. Together, they had five children: Lillian McCulley (John), Ruth Paulson, Patricia Batoon, Charles Shrock (Conni), and Evelyn Burke(Irvin). Two of her daughters, Lillian and Ruth, preceded her in death. LaNette and Pete’s legacy includes 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren—a family born of their deep love and commitment.

LaNette and Pete shared 61 beautiful years of marriage. Though Pete’s passing brought her profound grief, she persevered with strength and grace, continuing to live fully and love deeply in his absence.

LaNette was known for her tenacity, strength, sacrificial love, and boundless generosity-traits forged through many trials. She created countless cherished memories with her loved ones, whether through meals shared at her table, handmade gifts, or simply her unwavering presence in their lives. A master seamstress, LaNette was especially known for crafting beautiful wedding dresses for many of the young women at church, a labor of love that reflected her generous heart.

LaNette's adventurous spirit never waned. She and Pete shared a passion for exploring, often traveling the United States in their trailer, where they created treasured memories together. Even in her later years, her sense of adventure remained alive and well-most notably demonstrated by a thrilling toboggan ride in Switzerland at the age of 76. LaNette's life was a testament to her ability to embrace every season with love, resilience, and a zest for living.

Family gatherings around her table were filled with love, laughter, and competition—whether in card games or her favorite, Rummikub. Holidays were especially memorable, with everyone gathered around to play, and eat!LaNette’s competitive streak shone as she won her last games of Rummikub just two weeks before her passing.

A founding member of the Cameron Avenue Church of Christ, LaNette’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She taught Bible classes, including one for Korean women—despite not speaking Korean—leading many to Christ through her example.

Her husband was the love of her life, and their bond endured until her final breath. LaNette not only raised her children but also helped raise and shape the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often living in multigenerational households where she learned the art of both giving and receiving care. Each season of life taught her lessons of sacrifice where she truly embodied the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman.

Above all, LaNette’s greatest love was for Christ. Her steadfast faith sustained her through both life’s trials and triumphs. A life that might have led to bitterness instead radiated with God’s glory. Every hard knock landed her on her knees. In her later years, when she could do little else, she became a prayer warrior for her family-entrusting her loved ones to the One who could. Countless sleepless nights were spent in prayer—with her loved ones’ names on her lips. She clung to the words of Scripture, “She did what she could” (Mark 14:8), trusting fully that God would handle the rest.

When asked if she was afraid near the end, she confidently replied, “That ole devil has been chasing me for a long time. I’m not afraid of him anymore. I KNOW who my God is and who is in control.” Deep within her soul, she held the unshakable truth that death is not the end-we simply wake up alive in eternity.

Her long life was a gift to many who loved her deeply. The greatest treasure she left us is the piece of herself that lives on in each of us, a legacy that will resonate through generations, because of her love for God. Duet. 7:9

Her gravestone may simply read 6/27/1924-1/11/2024 but the dash in between represents a life of love, sacrifice, and devotion. That final date is not an end but a continuation of her story in eternity.

The family invites you to celebrate LaNette’s well-lived life on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Cameron Avenue Church of Christ (601 Cameron Ave, Colonial Heights, VA 23834).