Shelby Marie Massey (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Shelby Marie Massey of Strafford, Missouri, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023, in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 25.
Shelby was born August 28, 1997, to Douglas Massey and Tracy Ford in Springfield, Missouri. She grew up in Strafford and graduated from Strafford High School in the class of 2016. Following graduation, she attended Missouri State University.
Those survived to cherish the memories of Shelby include her parents, Doug and Valarie Massey of Strafford, Missouri; her mother, Tracy Ford of St. Louis, Missouri; her grandmother, “Grandburger” Nellie Massey of Ruston, Louisiana; siblings, Chelsea (Jacob) Parker of Kansas City, Missouri, Halle (John) Dinwiddie of Bolivar, Missouri, and Chris Lindsay of Kansas City, Missouri; aunts and uncles David (Barbara) Massey, John Massey, Marcy (Steven) Moreland; three great-aunts, Doris (Robert) Hamilton, Kay Finely, and Josephine (Ralph) Hill; and many loving cousins.
She is preceded in death by grandparents “MawMaw Edna” (Stephen) Ford, and Vaughn Massey; great-grandparents “PawPaw Ed” (“MawMaw Betty Jo”) Finely, and S.L. (“Grannymama” Claudia) Ford.
Shelby had a very vibrant personality and was always considered 'the life of the party'. She loved animals and spent time as the head of animal care at Wild Animal Safari, where she enjoyed raising tigers, lemurs, and her favorite monkey Cletus Brown.
Shelby will be remembered for her big heart for others as she cared deeply for her friends and family. Everyone loved Shelby and will miss her dearly.
Peace out, Shelb!
Graveside services for Shelby will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Ansley Cemetery in Ansley, Louisiana. Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, Louisiana.
What’s your fondest memory of Shelby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shelby?
Share a story where Shelby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shelby you’ll never forget.
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