Verna Mae Shelby

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Verna Mae Shelby (Wells). Verna passed away peacefully at home on March 23, 2023 surrounded by the love of family and pets. During the past six weeks she had suffered from respiratory failure and a broken femur. Hospice provided Verna with comfort and gentle care and her family is truly thankful for their compassion and support.

Verna Mae was born in Bremerton, Washington on April 7, 1942, to Fletcher J. and Theresa H. Wells (Junkin). She married William "Bill" Carter and spent some time in California. They had three daughters, Theresa, Becky and Suzanna. It was during this time that she fell in love with country music. She eventually moved back to Bremerton, Washington and she and Bill were divorced.

Verna received her education in the Central Kitsap School District and graduated from East High School in 1960. Her first major job was at Imperial Manufacturing making skin diving and survival suits. She was employed with them for eighteen years until they moved the company to the east coast. She spent the last twenty-two years in hospitality at Forest Ridge Health and Rehab Center where she worked as a laundry aide. She had an impeccable work ethic which she passed onto her children.

Her love of country music led her to meet and later marry Billie Eugene Shelby of Brushingknob, Missouri. They had one son, William "Bill" Shelby.

In addition to her love for country music, Verna also enjoyed reading, putting puzzles together, gardening and crocheting. She enjoyed soaking up the sun all of her life but her biggest passion was her children and grandchildren. She made many Afghans for all of them! She was a dedicated Seahawks and Mariners fan and in her later years enjoyed collecting Seahawks figurines. She was loyal, family centric, firm, dedicated, strong and resilient.

Verna is survived by her daughters Theresa Moore of Bremerton, Washington, Becky Tatman of Bremerton, Washington and Suzanna Farrar (Jeff) of Omaha, Nebraska, her ten grandchildren Vanessa Allison, Melissa Ringfield, Amanda Meir, Jesse Tatman, Dinae Tatman, Danielle Tatman, Keith Farrar, Jordan Shelby, Billie Shelby, Marissa Shelby, sixteen great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Sheila Greenwood and brother-in-law Boyd Shelby and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death her first husband Bill Carter in 2018, her second husband Billie Shelby, her son Bill Shelby, her siblings Frank Wick, Burt Wick, James Wick, Daisy Hale, Wilma Tipton, Josephine Gage and Charlie Wick.

There will be a visitation on March 30, 2023, from 4pm to 5pm at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Bremerton, Washington as well as a visitation on March 31, 2023, at 1030am. A graveside service will be held at Ivy Green Cemetery in Bremerton, Washington on March 31, 2023 at 1pm. A reception will follow the graveside service at 718 Hanford Ave in Bremerton, Washington for those that wish to attend.

Mom, you raised us well. Now you may Rest in Peace in Heaven.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel in Bremerton, Washington.