Laurel Jeanne Shellabarger

Laurel Jeanne Wegener Shellabarger, 98, passed away Jan 17, 2026, at HopeWest. She was born Sept 5, 1927, in Denver, CO, to Charles and Alma Wegener, youngest and last survivor of 7 siblings (Franklin, Anne, John, Robert, Winifred, Louise).

Laurel grew up in Denver. She worked as a store clerk, telephone operator, and attended Denver Bible Institute before meeting Richard Shellabarger on a solo retreat at his family’s dude ranch near Conifer, CO. They wed in 1948. Richard passed away Feb 19, 2016, nearly 68 years happily married.

Laurel, Richard and children, nomadic, lived mostly all over Colorado, and also in Texas, Arizona, Utah and Washington. Her final home was Fruita, CO, living with her son, Daniel.

Laurel and Richard had five children: Pennie, Rick, Ron, Doug, Daniel (Rick passing away in 1994), 13 grandchildren, over 30 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Laurel also whole-heartedly taught children’s Sunday school, adult Bible studies, directed choir, drew, painted, sewed, crocheted, wrote poetry, children’s stories and was a prime vocalist and pianist. She worked as retirement hotel manager with Richard, and then pastor’s wife.

Laurel also loved travel, camping, hiking, and bird-watching. Increasingly, to the very end, both strangers and friends called her a shining light. She constantly sang, smiled, God-blessed, and waved at strangers and friends alike, everywhere she went. She loved riding in her bicycle-pulled wheel-chariot nearly daily on bike paths along the river and in town. She adored all animals, including the tiniest bugs.

Laurel’s memorial service is at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb 19, Redlands Community Church, 2327 Broadway, Grand Junction, CO. Feb 19 is exactly the 10th anniversary of Richard’s passing. Her remains cremated by Callahan-Edfast mortuary.