SHANK, Shelby Ann

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona March 27, 2003 Shelby Ann Shank - Born July 10th, 1957, Died March 24th 2003. Shelby Ann Shank departed from this life to join the Angels of Her Heavenly Father after a 15-year battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Jan Lance Shank her daughter, Katie Lynn, her parents Charlotte M. and Lt. Col. Roy E. Jacobsen, USAF Ret., her brother Roy C. Jacobsen, and her sister Jan Montgomery. Shelby the youngest of three children was born in Bitburg Germany at the USAF Hospital. Shelby always said she loved being an "Air Force Brat". She would glow with the stories she told of living on Okinawa and to this day would blame her fear of lightening of living in Kansas. Obituaries are by nature dry and declarative. Shelby was far from dry and declarative so this must rather be a celebration of life.The first great joy in her life was her horses, and she had plenty of them! She loved all of them and the great fun she had at the shows or just at the barn. In the fall of 1985, Shelby met the man of her life Jan. It was love at first sight. They were best friends and soul mates. They were married on May 10th, 1986. Evident to all Jan and Shelby were in love with each other and with life. They traveled, camped, boated, fished and watched Nascar together. They loved to have friends over and barbecue. Jan would start with his "Cowboy Poetry" and Shelby would roll her eyes and give a knowing look…just wait until morning. With their love and devotion for each other they transformed any place they were into bit of paradise. On November 17th 1988, Katie Lynn Shank was born at Scottsdale North Hospital. A new chapter began for the family as Shelby and Jan's love for each other widened to encircle their child. The family's love and companionship deepened for each other as they walked the painful cancer journey together. Shelby was too young to die. She was a friend to many and many would call her their "best friend". She will be missed forever. Services will be held Friday March 28th, 2pm at North Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 11735 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ., 85260. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ, 85014.