Tamala "Tami" Shotwell

Tamala (Tami) Hanenkrat Shotwell, age 63, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2026 after a long period of declining health.

Born on August 26, 1962 to Sonny and Betty Hanenkrat, Tami graduated in 1980 from New Philadelphia High School, where she played trombone in the marching band. Her lifelong calling was caring for others. She began as a young Candy Striper at Union Hospital and became a licensed practical nurse in 1992, working in local doctors’ offices and medical facilities. Known for her huge heart, she saw the good in everyone and was always willing to help. Tami loved dressing head to toe for the holidays and was never without her makeup, jewelry, and nails artfully done by Lacey. A devoted sun worshipper, she cherished time around water, whether lounging and splashing in her pool, boating with family and friends, fishing in Canada, or visiting the beach.

She is survived by her brother, Skip Hanenkrat, and nieces Chloe, Sophie, and Rylie, as well as aunts, an uncle, and several cousins. Tami also leaves behind the last love of her life, Bob Bice, and his family, who quickly became her own, along with her dearest “besties,” Mary Yonally and Patty Thursby. Though she had no children of her own, she adopted and lovingly raised many fur babies who were thoroughly spoiled. Izzy and Sophie remained by her side until the end.

In addition to her parents, Tami was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Shotwell.