Dennis L. Shook

It is with much sorrow, but also with the hope of Christ, that the family of Dennis L. Shook of Butler announces his passing on Friday, September 19, 2025.  He was just shy of his 84th birthday. 

Dennis was welcomed into this world by his parents, Cecil and Margaret Adams Shook, on November 6, 1941 and was affectionately known as “Termite” or “Pike” in his youth.  Since he became a skilled Auger Operator some decades ago, he’s been known as “Digger”.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Staugh Shook, whom he married in October of 1962.  For nearly 63 years they enjoyed each other while giving their kids the best of life.  The couple had four children and Dennis was a dedicated and loving father throughout his adult life.  He worked hard to care for his family and to indulge his children with magical Christmases.  These Christmases, and so much more, will be remembered fondly by Denise, Kevin (Faith), Denny (Beth), and Rochella (Danny Herold).  Dennis treasured his grandson and five granddaughters, Deryk, Rayna (Adam Eidberger), Torrie Lee, Morganne, Amanda, and Jennifer.  He attended many soccer and softball games, music and dance recitals, and countless campfires to show his support and enjoy their company.  Most recently, he appreciated the time he spent with his four great-grandchildren.  He wrestled and played trucks with Waylon and Porter, and enjoyed the outdoors with Leddi and Hemi.  Dennis enjoyed the company of his five brothers and five sisters over the years and was welcomed into eternal joy by many of them, including his brother Bob, with whom he shared a special bond. He was close to his brother-in-law Richard Staugh (Pauline), who survives.  He is also survived by his sister Velma, his brothers Dale (Mary) and Carl (Lou), and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Dennis worked driving truck for the Agway Egg Division, and later owned and operated Shook’s ARCO in downtown Butler for a number of years, where his generous and caring nature was well-known.  He went on to become a skilled Auger Operator for decades working for Umbaugh and P & W Construction. 

Dennis was an avid rifle and bow hunter who took great pride in hunting game with his sons. He was a motorcycle enthusiast; he and Mary Ann enjoyed many day trips with other couples to sight-see and attend seasonal events.  He was enormously talented.  Dennis could fix or build just about anything with his skills and artistic ability.  He liked to paint murals, build wooden dump trucks and excavating equipment for his great-grandsons, and build intricate wooden ships.  He enjoyed camping, landscaping, and restoring antique automobiles. 

Dennis and Mary Ann enjoyed dancing at the Donegal Grange on Friday evenings and at the Scott Twp. Firehall on Monday evenings.  Dennis was a lot of fun and liked to laugh and joke with the many friends he made there. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a number of siblings, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Those wishing to bid Dennis L. Shook a final farewell will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday.  A funeral service will be held from the funeral home at 11 a.m. Wednesday with Dr. Mac Reed officiating.  Interment will be in the West Sunbury Union Cemetery.  Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com. 

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