Shelby Dianne Drushel

Shelby Dianne Drushel, 28 went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Shelby grew up in Glendale, where she attended Glendale High School. She pursued her passion for creativity and education at Grand Canyon University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Design and a Master’s in Education. It was there she formed lifelong friendships that she cherished deeply.

Shelby’s love for travel took her to Disney Parks and beaches, often accompanied by friends and family. Her adventurous spirit and joyful heart were evident in every journey she took.

A devoted educator, Shelby spent the last four years teaching first and third grade and was eagerly preparing to begin her fifth year as a fourth-grade teacher. Her classrooms were a reflection of her vibrant imagination, decorated with unique themes each year. Shelby also brought her creativity to life through costume design for school and social events, often collaborating with her parents to make her visions a reality.

Musically gifted, Shelby played the piano and taught herself guitar and, most recently, the ukulele, an instrument she picked up during a recent trip to Hawaii. Her talents were matched by her generosity, as she regularly volunteered at the Arizona Peace Officers Memorial Golf Tournament.

Shelby’s sense of humor, kindness, and warmth made her unforgettable. Her friends often said, “Shelby wasn’t just a friend, she was everyone’s best friend.” Her faith was a cornerstone of her life; she accepted Christ and was baptized on her fifteenth birthday.

Her bond with her sister Nikki grew stronger over the years, and despite the distance, they stayed close through phone calls, and shared social media moments. Shelby loved movies, concerts, board games, puzzles, her dogs, and most of all, spending time with her closest friends, Natalie, Rachel, Katie, and her boyfriend Caleb.

Shelby was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Don and Doris, and her maternal grandmother, Helen. She is survived by her loving parents, Don and Connie; her sister, Nikki; her grandfather, Ron Young; aunts, uncles, cousins and many others whose lives were touched by her light.

Shelby’s legacy of love, laughter, and creativity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A school supply drive has been set up in Shelby's honor. If you would like to donate, click on this link or copy and paste into your browser and that will take you to Shelby's Supply Shelf: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/TH757FKZHCTY/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex