Obituary of Mary Rita Shofstall

Mary Rita “Marita” Shofstall, 91, of Holmes Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2014. Mary was born on May 5, 1922 to Florence (Boivin) and John Norton of Dearborn, MI. She attended the University of Michigan. On December 12, 1942, she married John “Jack” D. Shofstall, an aviation cadet from Detroit, in Merced, CA. Following his Air Force career they settled in Bradenton and subsequently Holmes Beach in 1973. She began collecting antiques in Indiana and Nebraska and opened a shop in Bradenton. She remained active as an antique dealer for thirty years. Besides antiques, pastimes included bridge, reading and travel. Trips included not only the US but travel abroad. Favorite places included Germany, England, Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. She enjoyed being an “island person” and entertaining family and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John, brother, John Norton and grandson, Matthew Guard. She is survived by her daughters Linda Guard and Susan Busch, her grandchildren, Christopher Guard, Melissa Busch Putnam, Rob Busch, and Meaghan Busch. Great grand children include Jack and McKenna Guard and Abbie, Libby, Emma and Hughes Putnam. She is also survived by her nephews: David, Kevin, Scott, Drew, and Sean Norton. A memorial service and inurnment were held at the Sarasota National Cemetery on March 31, 2014 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westminster Towers and Shores 1533 4th Ave W, Bradenton 34205.