Shelly James Keating, 67, of Evansville passed away on Thursday January 20, 2022 after a courageous 3 year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Evansville to the late Jesse and Evelyn (Smith) James.
She graduated from Central High School. Shelly worked in the legal community throughout her career and spent the last 28 years with the US District Court. She gained tremendous friendships through her love of bowling, softball, golf, and pickle ball. Shelly was in the Evansville Bowling Hall of Fame and greatly enjoyed her girls’ golf trips to Florida. She loved traveling together with her husband, Mike Keating, who preceded her in death in November 2021. Shelly was a lover of animals, especially her dogs, Murfee and Shorty, and loved volunteer opportunities, including being a docent at Mesker Park Zoo.
Shelly is survived by her sister, Debie Ours; step daughter, Rachel Ferguson; step son, Jacob Keating (Courtney); grandchildren, Drew Ferguson, Reese Ferguson, and Cohen Keating; and nieces and nephews, Kala Kaiser, Zachary Ours, Shannon Klump, and Miranda Wahnsiedler.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday January 24, 2022 at Alexander North Chapel, officiated by Pastor Darryl Marin, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends and family may visit from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Sunday January 23, 2022 at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank all of the friends who have provided meals and so much love and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mesker Park Zoo in Shelly’s honor.
