Gary Reese Shawcroft was born on June 9, 1934 at the family home in Richfield, the oldest child and firstborn son to James Reese Shawcroft and Ada Loreen Rasmussen. He passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the age of 91.

He was preceded in death by both his parents, his sister Beth Elaine Schempp, youngest son Derrell Shawcroft and grandson Jason Shawcroft. He is survived by his wife, Ethel Shawcroft of La Jara, siblings Terry Andthan Shawcroft, Los Lunas, N.M. and Lorna (Glen) Franck, Idaho Falls, ID. He is also survived by children Perry (Bev) Shawcroft, La Jara; Marie (Don) Morgan, Meridian, ID; daughter-in-law Margaret Shawcroft, La Jara and Gene Shawcroft (Janeen), Provo, UT.

Gary and Ethel have been blessed with 17 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Gary grew up on the family farm in La Jara where he was taught from an early age to work hard. He attended school and graduated from La Jara. He attended college in Provo, Utah at BYU for a short time and then returned home to marry his sweetheart and the love of his life, Ethel Marie Clair on Sept. 30, 1953. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City temple on April 9, 1956. He and Ethel enjoyed 71 years of marriage.

They lived in Monte Vista for a short time and Gary worked at Safeway. Then they returned to work on the farm with his dad and he attended school at Adams State College. He later earned his Master's degree from Western State in Gunnison. He taught school several years at La Jara Elementary, served as Principal and was also the assistant superintendent. He worked a total of 27 years for the North Conejos District where he influenced hundreds of students, coworkers and friends whom he genuinely cared for. And all this time he plowed, planted fields, irrigated and tended cows after school.

The Church and gospel of Jesus Christ was a very big and important part of his life. He volunteered as a Scoutmaster for many years; he served as Bishop for 5 vears; Stake President for 9 years; Gary and Ethel served together in the Denver temple for 3 years and Stake Patriarch for 24 years.

Our papa had a way about him that made everyone feel important, loved and cared for. He was totally honest, hardworking and willing to serve and help anyone in need. The girls and women in his family were all his "sweethearts" and he was a giant of a man to us all.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 6 to 8 pm. followed by a Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, both at the Spring Creek Ward of the La Jara Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will follow services in the Sanford Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, remembrances, and tributes, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com