CHANDLER

Shearer, Aileen L., 97, homemaker, died June 8. Services 2 p.m. Saturday (Bill Eisenhour NE, Oklahoma City).

Published in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Thursday, June 9, 2016, Page 6A.

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Dau. of Alvin Early Allen & Lucy Mae Paul.

Aileen Lucy (Allen) Shearer, Chandler, passed on to heaven June 8, at the Chandler Nursing Center surrounded by family members. She was 97. Aileen was born Dec. 24, 1918, in Crystal River, Fla. (Parents: Alvin Earl & Lucy Allen)

She married William Bunts in 1939, and the couple had three children, daughters Dorothy Severin, and Cheryl Jones; and son, William Arden Bunts. Aileen's first husband died tragically in 1950 after being struck by lightning, and she found herself a 31 year-old widow faced with raising three young children on her own.

A former beau from when she was a teen, Hubert L. Shearer, heard of her plight and after returning home on leave from the Air Force, the two began courting; often through letter writing. Hubert and Aileen were married in 1952, and had three children together, daughters Kathy Eisenhour, Ronnie Monaco and Mary Anne Oliver.

Five of Aileen's six children preceded her in death, with only, Ronnie, of Chandler, remaining. The Shearers were married for 56 years before Hubert's passing in 2008.

Aileen was also preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Lucy Allen; and siblings; sister, Doris Burkett, and brothers, Earl and Paul Allen.

In addition to her daughter, Ronnie, Aileen's survivors include, grandchildren Jennifer Allen, Chandler; and Aaron Shearer, Bella Vista, Ark. The Shearers played major roles in raising these two grandchildren. Aileen is also survived by 28 additional grandchildren, plus numerous great-grandchildren.

Aileen is known as a gentle, loving and kind-hearted soul. She credited God with sustaining her through the losses of so many of her loved ones over the decades. Aileen was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church, Chandler, attending "every time the church doors were open" until her health became too fragile about two months ago. She was an inspiration to others with her determination to

attend services and serve the Lord in any way possible.

Dubbed the "Energizer Bunny" by some family members, Aileen could never sit still for long, and was always busy doing something, usually involving caring for others.

During her six months as a resident at Chandler Nursing Center, staff members were often challenged to keep up with Aileen's roaming ways.

The Shearers lived on their small farm near Wellston for more than 25 years. They loved gardening and caring for their livestock which included many chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep and even a few pigs over the years. They also loved having family around as much as possible, especially doting on their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Aileen and Hubert were immensely devoted to each other, and although at very advanced age herself, she cared for her husband until his health failed to the point that he

required full-time nursing care.

Aileen's funeral service is set for 2 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at Bill Eisenhour Northeast Chapel, Oklahoma City,

OK., with Pastor Cary Monaco, LBC, Chandler, officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memory Gardens, Midwest City.

Arrangements under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, Oklahoma City, OK.