Mavis Shotwell

Mavis Rae Freburg Shotwell

On October 24, 2025, the most loving, generous, kind, patient, and nurturing wife, mom, and grandma left this world to join her heavenly family on the same day as her father’s birthday and father and first mother’s anniversary.

Mavis was born to Ethel Curtis Freburg and Ernest Freburg on October 27, 1937. She tragically lost her mother Ethel at only two years of age. Ernest later met and married Ruth Hodges Freburg which provided Mavis the enormous blessing of a wonderful second mother. She grew up in the idyllic setting of the home nestled below the rimrocks in Winnett, Montana, where she helped with the family dairy, learned to care for many animals, and developed a strong work ethic. She was brought up and lived by the teachings of the United Methodist Church. After finishing high school in Winnett, Mavis completed nursing school in Billings and Bozeman, becoming a Registered Nurse working at Deaconess Hospital in Billings.

During nursing school, she was introduced to her roommate’s cousin, Bob Shotwell, who became the love of her life. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on October 8, 2025. Bob and Mavis raised their three kids in Billings, with Mavis setting aside her career to be a full-time mom. Later, she returned to her nursing vocation at Valley Nursing Home for 10 years, dedicating many extra hours to her work and residents there. She then continued her role of consummate caregiver by spending many, many hours caring for her 5 beloved grandchildren.

Mavis was a natural-born nurse. She never shined more brightly than when she was caring for someone who was ill. She always knew just what was needed to make her patient feel better, whether she was expertly and lovingly caring for her sick child, her hospital and nursing home patients, or her sister battling cancer.

Mavis also loved stitching, sewing clothes and making stuffed animals for her kids, flower gardening, reading, baking, and caring for countless rescued cats and dogs. Her cats, including her little sweetheart Miss Kitty, were by her side throughout her final days.

Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel Freburg, Ernest Freburg, and Ruth Freburg; sister, Nancy Freburg; and baby son, Mark Alan Shotwell. She is survived by her husband, Robert Shotwell; daughter, Melanie (Chris) Munson; son, David Shotwell; daughter, Laurie (Jason) Robinson (She always said her sons-in-law were just like sons.); grandkids Connor (Sally) Robinson, Aidan Robinson, Kyra Munson, Brennan Robinson (Kim Just), and Alyssa Munson (Doug Mowat); as well as many cherished feline and canine family members.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers (which the cats would likely just eat), please consider honoring Mavis’ generosity with a donation to a local animal rescue such as Billings Animal Rescue Kare, Shiloh United Methodist Church, or RiverStone Health Foundation whose hospice team provided wonderful support to our family.