Mary Elizabeth Shanafelt Earl, age 99 of Sarasota, Florida formerly of Salem, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at the Sarasota Hospice House in Sarasota, Florida. Mary Elizabeth Shanafelt Earl, daughter of Issac and Pearl Shanafelt, grew up in the shadow of WWII. She is one of eight siblings who reached adulthood. She is the last surviving member of that generation. Mary’s mother was half Cherokee and that part of the family resides in Oklahoma near her sister Glady’s family. There are many surviving family members from this large Shanafelt family: children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren from all the sisters and brothers. In her immediate family, Mary follows her late husband, Gene Earl. She precedes her son, Gene Earl II and his sons, Jacob, and Jarod. Also, Jarod’s daughter. In addition, she precedes her daughter, Marilyn, and Marilyn’s sons- Tim, Chris, and Jeremy; her granddaughters in law- Patricia, Stacy, and Tami; her great grandchildren, (Chris) Liam, Grace, Ellie, Jack; (Jeremy) Evan and Bobby. With Marilyn’s marriage to Paul Svoboda, Mary welcomed grandchildren Sara, Laura, John, Andrea, and great granddaughter Amelia. In addition, she precedes an adorable dachshund, named Teddy who she treasured on a daily basis. Mary lived a full and rich life, teaching dance lessons as a young girl, roller skating, traveling extensively with her husband Gene (including years in Okinawa), and managing many successful businesses in Salem, Il. One was the Starlight restaurant. In these later years her passion was coloring pictures that were truly frameable. She will be deeply missed and will forever remain in our hearts with great love as she was such a generous and loving spirit. She was completely committed to family and she was always our beautiful cheerleader. Funeral services for Mary Elizabeth Shanafelt Earl, will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Crouse Funeral Home with Phil Martin officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem. There will be a visitation from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories can be made at www.CrouseFH.com.