Florence Shoemaker, a 76-year-old woman from Ravenna, Ohio, was last seen on February 3, 2003. Her disappearance is shrouded in mystery and is intertwined with the earlier vanishing of her ex-husband, Melvin Shoemaker, who went missing from his Parkman, Ohio home in April 1994. The couple had divorced in 1978, and Florence was living with their son, Glenn Roger Shoemaker, in Hiram Township at the time she was last seen.
By the time of her disappearance, Florence's health was reportedly failing, and she required assistance with daily activities. The circumstances of her last known whereabouts are not publicly detailed, but it is known that she has not been heard from since that day.
The investigation into Florence's disappearance did not begin until 2005, two years after she was last seen. Authorities became aware she was missing when they attempted to contact her as part of their ongoing investigation into her ex-husband's disappearance. Her son, Glenn, had not reported her missing. When questioned, he allegedly told people that his mother, who had previously worked as a home health aide, was away on a job. This explanation, coupled with a lack of contact from Florence, raised concerns among law enforcement and her extended family. The case is further complicated by a troubled family history, including allegations that Melvin had been abused by both Florence and Glenn in the past.
The cases of both Florence and Melvin Shoemaker remain unsolved, and their son, Glenn, has been a person of interest in both investigations. Over the years, law enforcement has conducted searches of Glenn's property, including a significant search in September 2018 at his farm in Hiram Township. These searches have involved cadaver dogs and excavation equipment, but it is unclear if any significant evidence was recovered. Neighbors described Glenn's living conditions at the time of the 2018 search as primitive, without running water or electricity. Despite the suspicions and the unusual circumstances surrounding both of his parents' disappearances, Glenn Shoemaker has not been charged in connection with either case. The lack of concrete evidence or discovered remains leaves the fate of Florence Shoemaker an open and distressing question for those who knew her and for the investigators who continue to seek answers.Last Seen: Feb 3, 2003
