Dr. Laura Shackelford - beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, spiritual leader, and court reporting professional - transitioned peacefully on February 3, 2026, after a four-year journey with cancer, which she faced with remarkable grace, strength, and unwavering faith.

Born in 1951 to Melvin and Nancy Merriles in Wayne, Michigan, Laura later moved with her family to Simi Valley, California, where she attended high school and recently joyfully celebrated her 50th reunion. For more than three decades, she faithfully served the Spiritual Center of the Desert in Palm Desert, first as Assistant Minister for 10 years and then as Minister for over 20 years. Her steady presence, compassionate heart, and deep spiritual conviction, plus a touch of irreverence, guided and uplifted a devoted community.

Since 1978, Laura was a partner in Ayotte & Shackelford Court Reporters with Donna Ayotte Evans. A formidable and unwavering presence in the legal community, she commanded deep respect while never losing her quick wit and playful sarcasm. Her natural comedic flair found its perfect stage in the Desert Bar Association’s Bird Awards and annual parody performances, where she joyfully shared her love of acting and her spirited sense of community.

Laura is survived by her two sons, Ryan and Cory Shackelford; Cory’s wife, Tiffany; her granddaughters, Olivia and Emma Shackelford; her sister, Tracy Di Giorgio, and her husband, Anthony; her nieces, Daniella and Isabella Di Giorgio; her mother, Nancy Merriles; and her brother, Jim Bradford.

The family invites friends, congregants, and colleagues to share their condolences, memories, and photos here, so that they may take comfort in remembering the many lives she touched. All who knew and loved Dr. Laura are warmly invited to attend her celebration of life, which will be held on March 29, 2026, at 1 p.m. PST at the Spiritual Center of the Desert, 45-630 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260.

For those who cannot attend, the celebration will be livestreamed on YouTube and will be available on YouTube after. Further details on the livestream will be provided here when available.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/laura-shackelford/obituary/

Copy