Francesca Elizabeth Shellabarger

Francesca "Franie" Elizabeth (Dorilas) Shellabarger, 24, of Arcanum, Ohio, passed away at her home on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

She was born on June 15, 1998, in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, to Arnold and Meliana Dorilas. She was adopted in 2011 by Timothy and Angela (Bowser) Shellabarger of Arcanum.

Franie was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mary Shellabarger; and her cousin, Shelby Bowser.

In addition to her parents, Franie is survived by her brothers and sisters, Obenson Dorilas, John Steeve Dorilas, Marc Keshler Dorilas, Madai Dorilas, Kenlod Dorilas, Kency Berthelemy all of Haiti, and Alec (Morgan) Shellabarger of Brookville, Ohio, Rebecca, Cassandra, and Charity Shellabarger all of Arcanum, and Abbey (Jesse) Bower of New Paris, Ohio; her grandparents, Galen and Freda Bowser of Arcanum, and Ronald Shellabarger of Arcanum; her niece, Estey Bower, and two babies on the way.

Franie's journey from Haiti began in 2010 with her adoption into the Shellabarger family. She attended and graduated from Franklin Monroe High School and MVCTC's Hospitality Program in 2018. Following graduation, Franie spent a year in Project Search gaining a Star Certificate before becoming involved in Darke County DD, where she formed many meaningful relationships and friendships, especially Linda and Amy. She had the spirit of an artist, as she loved to create art, dance, and sing. Her family meant the world to her, and nothing brought her more joy then spending her life with them. Franie was a light in this dark world and never let her hardship keep her down. She defied all the odds set against her. She loved Jesus and clung to Him for strength. Franie truly had a beautiful soul.

A Celebration of Franie's life will be held at 12PM on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville campus with Pastor Harve Bowman officiating. Burial will follow at Newcomer Cemetery near Arcanum.

Her family will be receiving guests on Tuesday, from 10AM until the time of the service at 12PM noon, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Darke County DD), 5844 Jaysville-St. Johns Road, Greenville, Ohio 45331.

Online condolences may be shared with Franie's family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.