Daisy Shader

Daisy Catchings-Shader of Palm Springs passed away on June 14, 2026. She was born to Myrtle and George Markus in Salt Lake City, UT. Her family moved to CA in 1942. Daisy was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, her son Danny, her parents and two brother and a sister.

Daisy was co-founded/director of a global ministry, Umbrella Ministries a non-profit organization was founded to help parents who have suffered the loss of a child. She was honored in recognition for 25 years of Christian ministry as Chairman, Area and Regional Representative of Stonecroft ministries. She was an inspirational and motivational speaker, author of Under God's Umbrella and in Heaven. She was a graduate and member of Christian Writers Guild. She also served on the Board of the Women's Ministries at Southwest Church, Indian Wells, CA. 

Daisy is survived by her loving husband Dave Shader, a sister Sharon Harris of Norwalk, CA. numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and her adopted kids Becky and Gary Janz and their family in Fresno and Newport Beach. She leaves behind numerous friends throughout the country and an outstanding Board of Directors of Umbrella Ministries. 

A Graveside Service will be held on July 1 at Desert Memorial Park, 31705 DaVall Drive, Cathedral City, Ca at 10:30 a.m. with a reception to follow.

Daisy Catchings-Shader, devoted Christian, Loving wife and mother, cherished friend, and founder of Umbrella Ministries, passed away on June 14, 2026. She was 95, Born on July 13, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Daisy moved to Compton, California, at the age of 12. There she met her high school sweetheart, Dick Cathings. They married in 1947 and welcomed their son, Danny, in 1950.

When Danny was four years old, he surprised his parents at dinner by insisting they thank Jesus for their food. That simple prayer led Daisy and Dick to Christ through the influence of their best friends Ken and Melba Poure.

In 1976, the family moved to Palm springs. Daisy worked for 30 years at Eisenhower Medical Center and for Dr. Erik Williams. She faithfully served in the Women's Ministry at Wellspring Church, led Stonecroft Ministries, and later founded Umbrella Ministries.

The loss of Danny at age 28 became a defining chapter in her life. Letters from her grieving heart grew into the book Under Gods Umbrella. In 1966, Daisy and Donna Luke founded Umbrella Ministries to support grieving mothers. Over three decades, the ministry reached more than 4,000 moms with hope, encouragement, and healing.  

In 1985, Dick suffered a massive stroke. Daisy cared for him devotedly for 22 years until his passing in 2007. In 2012, the Lord brought Dave Shader into Daisy's life to love and cherish. Dave lovingly cared for her and embraced what he affectionately called his role of "Driving Miss Daisy," accompanying her on speaking tours across the Untied Sated and supporting the growth of Umbrella Ministries.

Daisy and Dick met a young couple, Becky and Gary Janz at Palm Springs Baptist Church in 1979 and they quickly became family. After the loss of Danny and Beck's sister, they took them under their wings and lovingly adopted them, becoming their "desert parents." Over the years their bond has remained strong, and they became grand and great grandparents, to the Janz children.

Daisy will be remembered for her gentle smile, compassionate heart, unwavering faith, and the countless lives she touched. She often reminded others that while grief remains, Gods love is constant. Her legacy of hope born from sorrow and sustained by faith, will continue to impact generations to come.

In lieu of flowers it is Daisy's wish that a donation be made to Umbrella Ministries in memory of her son; Danny Catchings Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 4906, Palm Springs, Ca 92263.