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 Valerie Massey of Strafford, MO; her mother, Tracy Ford of St. Louis, MO; her grandmother, “Grandburger” Nellie Massey of Ruston, LA; siblings, Chelsea (Jacob) Parker of Kansas City, MO, Halle (John) Dinwiddie of Bolivar, MO, and Chris Lindsay of Kansas City, MO; 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!
Funeral services for Shelby will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday,
March 1, 2023, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel, Ruston, LA. Visitation will be 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at
www.kilpatrickfuneralhomescom
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston
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