Shenesky

Della Arvilla Shenesky, affectionately known as “Arby,” 77, of Zelienople, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, while under the care of Allegheny General Hospital.

Born Oct. 31, 1946, in Rochester, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Robert Scott Butcher and Della Elizabeth (Tolbert) Butcher.

Della graduated from Freedom High School in 1964. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Geneva College in 1968 and obtained her master’s degree from Bowling Green State University in 1970. She worked for the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit at New Horizon School as a speech therapist from 1971 until her retirement in 2002. She enjoyed her job; it brought her great joy to teach her special needs students better communication skills. Della was an active organizer and volunteer for the Beaver County Special Olympics. She also was a docent and served on the board of directors for the Zelienople Historical Society. She enjoyed any and all varieties of theater productions, and was a big supporter of the Strand Theater in Zelienople.

In her free time, Della enjoyed traveling, stamping, card making, making candy and boating. She also loved hosting many family gatherings, especially for the grand fireworks displays on the Fourth of July. She never missed sending birthday cards/gifts, and was a doting aunt to all her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 53 years, Michael G. Shenesky, whom she met in college in January 1966 and married on Aug. 14, 1971; her brother, the Rev. Robert Butcher (Anne); her brother-in-law, John Shenesky (Naomi); her sister-in-law, Kay Dawson (David); her nieces, Katie, Liz, Victoria and Jenny; her nephews, Chris and Joel; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Krista, Tori, Jake, David, Sophie and Stella.

In addition to her parents, Della was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Butcher; and niece, Carrie Ann.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of AGH and MICU South for their devoted care and compassion.

SHENESKY — Friends of Della Arvilla Shenesky, who died Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, will be received from 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6 p.m. Wednesday at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople. She will be laid to rest privately at the Zelienople Community Mausoleum.

Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Calvin Presbyterian Church, or to the Strand Theater.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.