Shelly Zeutenhorst

Shelly Zeutenhorst, 55, passed away on November 8th, 2025, after a second battle with cancer that she took head-on with a courageously positive attitude. Shelly was born in Yakima, WA on September 8th, 1970, and happily lived in Selah, WA for her entire life. She attended YVCC, followed by Central Washington University where she graduated with a BS in computer science. After a short stint with the City of Yakima, she found her calling in her work with Lawrence F. Cacchiotti, DDS, MS. Shelly spent 24 years with Dr. Cacchiotti and her "work family" and loved every minute, it was never just a "job" to her.
Shelly and her partner, Derek, led a quiet life and enjoyed family dinners with her family that all lives within blocks of each other. They also enjoyed camping, golfing and just being with each other. Shelly raised a beautiful daughter, Jennifer, and was never shy about how proud she was of her and what she had, and will, accomplish in life. She had an amazing group of ten high school girlfriends, whom she loved dearly, that met at least monthly since graduating in 1989. The other love of Shelly's life was her home, which she had a reverence for that is unmatched.
Shelly was a bright light to so many people. She was kind, caring and one of the most selfless people you would ever meet. While she couldn't always remember where she left her phone or keys two minutes before, she had an amazing memory for the vast number of people she met in her lifetime. Shelly left an indelible mark on all those around her and her memory, like the light she was, will never fade.
Shelly is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Pelzel; her partner, Derek Shaffer; her parents, Steven and Ellen Zeutenhorst; her brother and sister-in-law, Shane and Jenn Zeutenhorst; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family is being cared for by Brookside Funeral Home. Memories and condolences can be shared on www.brooksidefuneral.com