Shelby Lake Spuhler

Shelby Lake Spuhler, 89, left this world peacefully on September 25, 2025, with his loving wife, Mary Ann, by his side.

Shelby was born on October 1, 1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of Clifford William Spuhler and Carrie Charlotte Ebeling. His mother was widowed when Shelby was just one month old. This modest beginning helped shape his keen business mind and strong work ethic.

He graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School, and by age 18 was keeping books for a local cotton distributor to pay for college. After attending Southeastern Louisiana University, he began working as an accountant for the International Trade Mart in New Orleans, promoting the Port of New Orleans and international trade.

Later, Shelby accepted a position with U.S. Steel Corporation in New Orleans. After only a few years, he was transferred to Houston, Texas, to the company’s new Southern District sales office, where he managed oil country tubular pipe inventory and sales. He finished his career in the corporate office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, retiring after 34 years of dedicated service. He moved back to Texas and then eventually to his native state of Louisiana, where he lived the remainder of his life.

It was at U.S. Steel that Shelby met and married Shirley Thompson Holt, a young PBX operator and widow with two small children. They shared 33 years of marriage. After Shirley’s passing, Shelby was blessed to find love and happiness again with Mary Ann Gerosa. They were married on July 12, 2003, in New Orleans, and he was a devoted husband to Mary Ann for 22 years.

Shelby was a pillar of strength, encouragement, and support throughout his life. Above all else, he loved and cherished his family. He was a devoted father, husband, and Paw Paw. He loved family gatherings and always brought joy to those around him. With his perpetual optimism and grand sense of humor, he could light up any room. He also had an incredible memory for hundreds of songs and often sang whenever the mood struck.

Shelby had many passions. At 23, he joined the ranks of the elite bowlers who scored a perfect 300 game in his hometown of New Orleans, earning a place in bowling’s Hall of Fame. He was an avid sports fan, especially of football, and he loved to play golf. He also enjoyed collecting coins and stamps. Family vacations were a highlight every year which he continued to enjoy well into retirement, while his health allowed.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Clifford L. Spuhler, and wife Gloria; his sister, Carolyn Spuhler Noonan, and husband John; his wife, Shirley Thompson Holt Spuhler; and his granddaughter, Michaila Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann; children Royce Holt and D’Andra Smith and husband Rusty; stepchildren Sydney Gerosa, Scott Gerosa and wife Shana; seven grandchildren, Christopher Blakley, Stephanie Holt, William Holt, Mariah Smith, John Gerosa, Jacob Gerosa, and Justin Gerosa; and three great-grandchildren, Myles Lopez, Oliver Lopez, and Logan Frantz. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A service to celebrate Shelby’s life will be announced at a later time.

We know you are home and at peace in the arms of Jesus. Until we see you again - You are forever in our hearts.