05/13/2026
Avery Rian Shacklette, 21, entered Heaven far too soon on May 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy most could never accomplish in a lifetime. Born August 28, 2004, Avery was the beloved daughter of Travis and Sarah Shacklette, proud sister of Drake Shacklette, and the deeply loved companion of Luke Millay. She was the cherished granddaughter of Sharon and Eddie Bruner, Ricky and Barbara Rhodes, Virginia “Ginger” Arnce, and Ray Shacklette. Avery was also deeply loved by her aunt, Danielle “DoeDoe” and Uncle Brock Wiltshire, amongst countless family members and friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing her. She will be joining her great grandparents, Martha Nell “Meme” and Kenny “Peeps” Barger, Walter and Emilee Rhodes, Ruby and Garland Shacklette and Emma and Buddy Wilkins, and her uncle, Bradley Rhodes in Heaven. Though her time on earth was brief, the impact she made was immeasurable.
Avery was truly one of a kind — the cream of the crop. There was no challenge too difficult, no goal too high, and no dream too big for her to conquer. She was intelligent beyond her years, fiercely independent, relentlessly driven, and one of the hardest working souls this world has ever seen. Avery lived with purpose, determination, and grace in everything she touched.
A recent graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, Avery’s collegiate career was nothing short of extraordinary. While many struggle to balance even one responsibility, Avery mastered them all. She maintained consistent placement on both the Dean’s List and President’s List while competing as an NCAA Division II golfer, working full time, managing a successful photography business, volunteering as a board member for Friday After 5, serving as a NCAA Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) member, and earning countless scholarships, awards, and recognitions along the way. Avery didn’t just participate in life — she dominated it with passion and excellence.
To know Avery, was to love her. Her smile could light up any room, and her heart was pure gold. She cared deeply for everyone around her and carried an unmatched ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved. Avery valued Christ above all, and her love for family and friends was at the center of everything she did. She was the glue that held her family together and the kind of soul whose presence made life brighter for everyone lucky enough to know her.
She found joy in the simple and beautiful things — flowers, the river, the ocean, golf, sunsets, sunrises, multiple cups of black coffee, listening to various genres of music, adventurous travel and time spent with her beloved dog, Piper. Avery was endlessly talented: an incredible cook, gifted painter, talented photographer, and someone who could turn anything she touched into something beautiful. She carried a rare magic within her that cannot be explained, only felt.
Above all else, Avery loved Christ. Her faith, positivity, strength, and beautiful spirit inspired everyone around her. She lived with kindness, courage, and authenticity. From the time she was little, Avery would proudly say, “Avery can do it herself,” and she proved that truth every single day of her life. She was strong, fearless, compassionate, and breathtakingly beautiful inside and out.
The world lost an extraordinary young woman, but Heaven gained a remarkable saint. Avery’s legacy will live on forever through the countless lives she touched, the love she gave so freely, and the unforgettable example she set for what it means to truly live.
There are simply no words big enough to describe Avery Rian Shacklette. She was rare. She was remarkable. She was a light to the world around her. Her beauty radiated from her heart. She was deeply loved…and she always will be.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM, on Friday, May 15, 2026, at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church with Father Matthew Millay and Father George Illikkal officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the St. Theresa Family Life Center from 10:00 AM until the time of mass. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Wendell Foster Foundation empowering people with disabilities.
