Obituary of Rita Ann Shaw

Rita Ann Shaw, 81, of Spartanburg, SC, died peacefully on May 17, 2025, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home.

She was born on September 5, 1943, in Somerville, New Jersey, to the late Benjamin and Mary Zelus. Rita was a proud graduate of Somerville High School and cherished her roots in her hometown.

Rita is survived by her three daughters, Lisa Jensen, Jill Ann Stala, and Laura Elliott; three beloved grandchildren, Tyler Stala, Justin Talocka, and Jessica Stafford; and four cherished great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Kavanaugh; her niece, Sharon Kavanaugh; her nephew, George Kavanaugh, and his children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Shaw; her son, Michael Stala; and her parents.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bongiovi Funeral Home, 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ. Burial will follow immediately at St. Bernard Cemetery, Route 28, Bridgewater, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jess Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC, in Rita's memory.

Rita will be remembered for her deep love for her family, her warm heart, and the strength she showed throughout her life.

                                      “Forever in Our Hearts: