Shelby Shell

Shelby Ann Mouser Shell was born in Marquand, Missouri, on Sept. 18, 1936, and was called away to her Heavenly home Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, at the age of 83.

Shelby had a love for teaching, having spent her professional career teaching overseas in Germany, several years at various schools in Southeast Missouri and the majority of her time spent at Cape Junior High School in Cape Girardeau, teaching Algebra. After having graduated from Marquand-Zion High School, she earned her teaching degree from Southeast Missouri State University, and later earned a master's degree.

On Oct. 26, 1957, at Mount View Mission Church in Marquand, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Benny Lee Shell. Benny and Shelby loved traveling the world and experiencing various cultures from the far reaches of six continents.

In recent years, she devoted incredible time and effort as curator of The Depot Museum in her hometown of Marquand. Her love of the community and its wonderful inhabitants (past and present) is evident when touring the museum.

Shelby loved teaching, her students, traveling, had a unique zest for life, hosting and narrating trivia events, spending time with her family and music (playing piano and singing, having been a longtime faithful member and choir member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau).

She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed watching them play as often as possible.

Survivors include her son, Loren Shell of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Laura Shell of Las Vegas; sisters, Linda (Bill) Ross of Fenton, Missouri, and Dee Vitt of Glendale, Missouri; and many loving nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Shelby was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Benny Lee Shell; mother and father, Elwood and Wanda Mouser; and sister, Alice Kay Mouser.

The family is having a private graveside service at Mouser Cemetery in Marquand.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Mouser Cemetery Preservation Fund in Marquand or Centenary Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.