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Venita Shellady
VENITA SHELLADY
Williamsburg
Venita Frances Shellady passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at Highland Ridge Care Center at the age of 96 years.
Venita was born March 7, 1921, in Newton, Iowa, the daughter of John E. and Sylvia O. (Durr) Fuller. She attended schools in Grinnell and Williamsburg, graduating from Williamsburg High School in 1938. On Oct. 30, 1941, Venita was united in marriage to Cecil H. Shellady Jr. in Shreveport, La. Following Cecil's World War II service, the couple made their home in Williamsburg, raising their family and owning/operating Shellady & Sons Grocery. In later years, they moved to Iowa City to work and eventually retire. Venita worked at The White House (maternity and baby fashions) for several years while there. In 2007, she returned to Williamsburg to live at Highland Ridge Retirement Community, where she enjoyed renewing old friendships and forming new ones.
Venita was lovely, inside and out. She had a quiet, clever sense of humor, wise counsel when asked, and found great joy being with her family. She entertained many interests in life, but some personal favorites were sewing, needlework, reading and music. She also enjoyed writing, and was a devoted correspondent with friends and family over the years. Venita lived her life with grace, integrity and thankfulness for her blessings.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: daughter, Julie (Dennis) Hocker of Williamsburg; two sons, Craig (Kathy) Shellady of Kalona and Kent (Connie) Shellady of Cape Fair, Mo.; six granddaughters, Sheri Hocker, Jennifer (Jay) Polycarpe, Rachel (Steve) Hauschilt, Anne (Adam) Shires, Stacey Halverson and Lisa (Shane) Hendricks; and many great-grandchildren, Quinton Hocker, Shon, Chase and Steven Hauschilt, Patrick and Colin Shires, Ally, Katey and Tori Halverson, Ryan Shellady and Emma and Lily Hendricks.
Venita was preceded in death by her husband in 2005, her parents, and a brother, John Jr., who died in infancy.
The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of Highland Ridge Retirement Community and Gables Care Center for their kind and loving care of Venita.
Celebration of Life service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Burial will be held in Memory Gardens in Iowa City. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. to time of service.
Memorials are for Highland Ridge Care Center (chaplaincy and spiritual life) or St. Paul United Methodist Church (youth program).
Powell Funeral Home is caring for Venita and her family.
Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
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