Dottie Shelhamer had always cared about other people. And now her desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others is achieved today through the Dottie Shelhamer Memorial Fund.
Dottie was born and raised in Scottsburg as an only child. She went to Hanover College, and taught for 42 years at Austin High School in health, physical education and as a guidance counselor. She also coached volleyball, track and cheerleading.
?She loved kids,? says her daughter Kathy Bayes. ?She?s one of those people who went into teaching for the right reasons. She was passionate about kids and loved the high school age.?
Dottie was involved with the Pilot Club and loved sports. ?She could watch TV and listen to a game on the radio at the same time!? says Kathy. She loved to be outside, in her garden and at the beach. Dottie had planned to retire in May the year she died, and ?she would?ve ended up at the beach for sure!? laughed Kathy.
Dottie loved her family very much, and her passion was her grandkids, which included spoiling them all! She was the proud mother of Kim, who lives in North Carolina, Ken and Kathy, who both live in Scottsburg. She adored her grandchildren, Aaron, Nathan, Mandy, Lauren and Matt.
When Dottie died unexpectedly at the age of 65 in April 2000, her family wanted to continue her legacy of taking care of people in need. Memorial contributions enabled a scholarship fund to be established at the Scott County Community Foundation. ?She loved teaching, and loved the community of Austin,? says Kathy.
For several years, a deserving girl at Austin High School received a $500 scholarship. Several years ago, the fund was changed to donor-advised, which allows the family to support charitable programs each year. Some of these have included Austin Eagles Baseball, Austin Elementary School, and Blessings For Prom.
To assist in Dottie?s wishes to help others, you may contribute to the Dottie Shelhamer Memorial Fund at the Scott County Community Foundation. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 25, Scottsburg, IN 47170.
