Lilla "Maria" Shelby

Gone from Our Sight, But Never from Our Hearts

Lilla "Maria" Shelby, age 73, passed peacefully in her home in Greenwood, Arkansas, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was born on February 19, 1952, in Mena, Arkansas, to Dorothy Lorraine (Monroe) Bates and William Brian Bates.

Maria graduated from Waldron High School and later married the love of her life, Ricky Shelby, on March 18, 1977. She built a long and dedicated career at Whirlpool Corporation, retiring after 27 years of service. She continued working after retirement, dedicating her time to raising poultry for OK Foods.

Maria had a zest for life and a heart full of love. She enjoyed shopping on QVC, watching cooking shows, and perfecting her own recipes in the kitchen. When the weather was nice, you could find her outdoors-riding the side-by-side, camping, or planting flowers and trees to make her yard bloom with color. She especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter and love. Branson, Missouri held a special place in her heart. She delighted in browsing the shops, marveling at the sparkling Christmas lights, and spending days at Silver Dollar City.

Maria will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. Her family and friends will never forget her hard work, kindness, sense of humor, and quiet strength. She had a deep love for animals, an endless well of patience, and an uncommon gift for seeing the good in everyone.

Maria is survived by her loving husband, Ricky Shelby; her three children, Gregory Aynes of Waldron, Arkansas, David Aynes and spouse Tracy of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Heather Kohler and spouse Keith of Greenwood, Arkansas; Six grandchildren, Farrah Aynes, Lukas Aynes, Talon Aynes, Kira Aynes, Karsen Kohler, Konnor Kohler; four great grandchildren, Aiden, Emerson, Raelyn, Rayne; two siblings, Brenda Harberson of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Bill Bates of Waldron, Arkansas; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

Maria is preceded in passing by her parents, Dorothy Lorraine (Monroe) Bates and William Brian Bates; her son, Ricky Shelby Jr., and her grandparents, Bascom and Irene Monroe, and William and Allison Bates.

There will be a visitation From 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at River Glenn Funeral Chapel. A funeral service will take place at 11:00a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at River Glenn, with Interment to follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Pastor Tashala Devrow and Brother Jeff Wilkins will Officiate. Pallbearers will be Phillip Grist, Lukas Aynes, Greg Aynes, David Aynes, Aiden Allen, and Bill Bates. All services are under the care of River Glenn Cremation and Funeral Services.