Lori Ann DeShazo
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.
Amber Redburn
September 25, 2024 @ 5:12 pm
Jennifer/Robert and Burtrum Families,
My Deepest Sympathy to all of you on the passing of Jennifer’s sister, Lori. I will be keeping all of you in my daily prayers. Daily may God provide comfort, peace, strength, and encouragement to each of you. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Mrs. Amber Redburn
Beth McMahon
September 25, 2024 @ 8:45 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss Jennifer. Will keep your family in our prayers
Donna Newwberry
September 27, 2024 @ 10:50 am
Jennifer and family. Sorry for loss of your sister. Noble and Donna
David & Mallory Snodgras
September 27, 2024 @ 10:52 am
We are so sorry for your loss!! Your family will be in our prayers. XO!
Pam Fredrick
September 27, 2024 @ 6:04 pm
Jennifer, Robert and family,
I am so very sorry to hear the passing of your sister, Lori. Please know that your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love and prayers, Pam Fredrick
Pam Cooper
September 28, 2024 @ 10:33 am
Lori brought so much joy and laughter to everything she did. When I think back on all those marketing meetings and sales meetings and the dinner conversations it is the memory of her smile and laughter that warms me. My deepest condolences to all her family and all who knew her.
Janet Taborn
September 28, 2024 @ 11:25 am
Dear Jennifer and family, I worked with Lori at McGraw-Hill, and she always “brought it”. Her fashion, her enthusiasm, her knowledge of the subject, and her presence always made for a fun time. Lori was a beautiful person inside and out. She was smart, creative, and funny. She made us all laugh. She will be missed.
Carla Samodulski
September 30, 2024 @ 3:20 pm
Lori was my office neighbor for several years, a cherished colleague, and just a charming, delightful friend. I remember the time she held a “bake-off” in her apartment for her McGraw-Hill colleagues, and the time we went shopping together at Bloomingdale’s on Long Island, among many other warm, funny memories. I’m sending deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Mary-Jo Miller
October 27, 2024 @ 2:47 pm
Jennifer, I am so sorry you lost your sister Lori.
I was in Pulmonary rehab with your wonderful Mum. We shared so many laughs and because I am from Ireland I was the brunt of many of ber jokes. She called me The old
Neanderthal. I loved her, and now your sister Lori. Breaks my heart for you. I am so sorry.
Maria Romano
November 7, 2024 @ 6:19 pm
I am saddened to learn about the passing of Lori. She was such a vibrant person and yes she loved animals. May God comfort you. I was a neighbor of hers on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She had a beautiful apartment with her darling dog, Nicolas. I also knew her from McGraw-Hill.