Shelly Marie Sims

Shelly Marie Sims - age 77 of Gallatin, MO, passed away Friday evening, February 6, 2026, at her home in Gallatin. Shelly was born on January 19, 1949, the daughter of Gerald Wade Jr. and Carol (Barnes) Morris in Kansas City, MO. She grew up in Amsterdam, MO, and was a graduate of Miami R-1 High School. Shelly married John Leslie Dunkin on December 2, 1967, in Dawn, MO, and to this union 4 children were born. While living in Jackson, MI, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. Shelly married her best friend, Daniel Jefferson Sims, on January 19th, 1995, in Las Vegas, NV, and he preceded her in death. Shelly delighted in joining the close-knit Sims family.

Shelly was very involved with the Gallatin First Baptist Church and later, Lake Viking Church. Her faith in Christ led her on over 25 mission trips to Haiti. Shelly was a very generous person, always trying to help. She helped with Vacation Bible School, AWANA and Sunday School. Shelly dedicated her life to healthcare and retired from the Caldwell County Health Department as the administrator. She served on state health committees and the Daviess County Health Department board of directors. Shelly enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the Seventh-day Adventist Thrift Store. She was a world traveler and enjoyed diverse cultures. Shelly learned to sew and quilt from her mother at a young age. She was a passionate collector and restorer of vintage dolls. Shelly enjoyed being a grandparent. Shelly will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Shelly was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a brother, Gary Morris. She is survived her children: Dawn Ezzell (Zack) of St. Joseph, MO, Daniel Dunkin (Lisa) of Trenton, MO, Melissa Pardun (Richard) of Waco, TX, Tara Freeman (Aaron) of Columbia, MO, Zack Sims of Lathrop, MO, and Tylor Sims (Connie) of Lathrop, MO; 18 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren with one on the way; siblings: Carl Morris of Amsterdam, MO, John Smith of Joplin, MO, and Connie Smith of TX; other extended family members also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Lake Viking Church in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Shelly's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Lake Viking Church. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Wednesday, the evening prior at Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. Friends may call after 11 AM Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Lake Viking Cemetery, Gallatin, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com