Kathleen KJ "Kathy Jo" Shelly

Kathy Jo Shelly, 61, of Bakersfield died on Thursday October 25, 2012 after a short but brave battle with cancer. Kathy was born to Richard and Betty Plouf on August 22, 1951 in Watertown, South Dakota. Kathy was married to Larry Shelly in 1981. Kathy moved to Bakersfield California, in 1981 and worked for Boydston realty for many years. She then went on to begin volunteering as an advocate for CASA of Kern County beginning in March of 2004, which would lead to a permanent position as the Office Coordinator "O.C." for CASA of Kern County. She absolutely loved her job and worked there until her health would no longer allow her to. She impacted the lives of all who knew her and left an imprint in their hearts. Anyone that knew Kathy knows the "Kathy Jo smile" and it will be deeply missed. Kathy was preceded in death by her Mother and Father Richard and Betty Plouf. She was survived by her husband Larry Shelly, her two children Ryan Shelly and Jayme Shelly and her two step-children, Brent Shelly and wife Lori Shelly of Acworth, GA. Kari Shelly-Ryan and husband Ed Ryan of Virginia Beach, Virginia, 8 grandchildren Samantha Peevy, Marina Shelly, Christian Shelly, Abigail Shelly, Julianna Shelly, Caroline Shelly, Brody Ryan and Zoe Ryan. Kathy was also survived by her brother Michael Plouf and wife Toni, sister Marianne Englund and husband Larry, sister Lynda Shriver and husband Jon, sister Barbara Daily and husband Doug, as well as nieces and nephews and an abundance of friends. A memorial service for Kathy will be held on November 1, 2012 at 9:30am at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 9101 Kern Canyon Rd Bakersfield, Ca 93306. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to CASA of Kern County in Kathy's name. Per Kathy's wishes we ask that anyone attending the funeral service try to wear vibrant colors.