BRIDGEWATER VA: (Rocktown Now) – The longtime executive director of the Augusta County Fair, has died after a 3 and a half year battle with cancer. Leslie Ellen (Shaver) Shank was the face and voice of the annual fair for 11-years and responsible for organizing and marketing the event. Shank put in endless hours during each year’s fair, working from early morning to late into the night. She worked throughout the year, helping to choose and book talent for the fair, organizing vendors at the event and helping fundraise, with events like the annual Silent Auction and Dinner.
Shank served on the Augusta County Chamber of Commerce and was a former marketing and sales associated for several radio stations, including WSVA.
WSVA farm reporter Jeff Ishee, commenting on Shanks passing, stated “I always admired Ellen for her high energy, devotion to community, and steadfast character”.
According to her family, “Ellen had a deep fondness for her church, Summit Church of the Brethren, where she served on various committees and taught Sunday school to the youngest congregants.”
Ellen leaves behind one son, Derick and wife Bly, of Grottoes, and two grandchildren, Charleigh and Graham. She is also survived by two brothers, Eddie Shaver and wife Vinda, and Ernest Shaver and wife Melody, both of Crimora, an aunt, Nancy Skaggs and husband Harold of The Villages, Florida, and an uncle, Lyle Shaver and wife Grace of Blue Springs, Missouri, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
According to Johnson Funeral Service, A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Summit Church of the Brethren with Pastor Tim Craver officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either UVA Cancer Center and sent to UVA Health Foundation, P.O. Box 37963, Boone, IA 50036, online at cancer.uvahealth.com or Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes, P.O. Box 5042, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Online donations may be made at: www.breakthrought1d.org/?s=donations. The family will receive friends following the memorial service. Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfs.com.
