Sylvia L. Shelly

1940 - 2025

Sylvia L Shelly
May 29, 1940 - April 21, 2025
Sylvia Shelly, 84, of Green Valley, AZ, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025. She was born on May 29, 1940, to Ernest and Lorraine Lenaburg in Elkhart, IN. Sylvia married Terry Shelly on July 4, 1963, at St. Paul's UMC in Elkhart, IN. Throughout their 61 years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling, spending time with family & friends and being grandparents.
Sylvia was very active in her community. In Elkhart, she served as a Girl Scout leader, President of the PTA at Eastwood Elementary school, and held various officer positions in the 4 Arts Club. She also held roles as an Elder, Deacon, Liturgist, Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible school leader, and member of the handbell choir at St. John's United Church of Christ. In Green Valley, she was recently selected as President of P.E.O. DT Chapter. Sylvia and Terry are members of Trinity on Jackson church in Elkhart, IN and Desert Hills Lutheran church in Green Valley, AZ.
Sylvia was an avid reader, particularly fond of mysteries. She enjoyed making custom greeting cards, sewing, needleworking, knitting, and crocheting. She actively participated in several card game clubs, including bridge, pinochle, canasta, and euchre. Additionally, she enjoyed playing Mahjong, dominos, and Mexican train.
Sylvia is survived by her husband, Terry and their three children, Scott Shelly of Elkhart, IN; Stacy Swaney (Shelly) of Huntersville, NC; and Ted Shelly. She is also survived by her brother, Karl Lenaburg formerly of Elkhart, IN; and four grandchildren, Dakota, Bryan, Shelba, and Sylvia.
Her celebration of life service will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Desert Hills Lutheran church in Green Valley, AZ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the P.E.O. DT Chapter of Green Valley, AZ to support women's education through scholarships and grants.