Virginia "Ginny" Lee (Staudenbauer) Shelton

Virginia “Ginny” Lee (Staudenbauer) Shelton

July 1, 1959 – June 20, 2026

Virginia “Ginny” Lee (Staudenbauer) Shelton passed away on June 20th, 2026, at the age of 66, just eleven days before her 67th birthday. Following a courageous month-long battle in the hospital recovering from a severe leg injury, her fragile body ultimately succumbed to heart failure. Though her passing leaves a profound void, her family takes comfort in knowing she is resting peacefully in the arms of her Savior.

Early Life and Education

Ginny was born in New Ulm, Minnesota, on July 1st, 1959, to William and Jane Staudenbauer. Alongside her three siblings—Barbara, Debbie, and David—Ginny grew up in a loving home centered on faith in God. She graduated from Kenston High School in 1977 and went on to pursue a degree in broadcasting.

While attending the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, she helped build up and manage a student-led broadcasting program that aired news, stories, and various community programs. During her summer breaks, she worked at SeaWorld of Ohio, a job she loved dearly. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in broadcasting in 1981.

Faith, Love, and Family

Ginny initially aspired to broadcast children’s stories professionally, but the Lord had other plans for her life. After college, she worked at the May Company department store until she married, putting her whole heart into whatever work the Lord set before her.

At age 25, Ginny met the love of her life, Dwain, during a dinner party in Beachwood, Ohio. Bound by their shared devotion to the Lord and a mutual desire to build a family, they tied the knot nine months later at the Chapel of Beachwood (now Parkside Church) on December 22, 1984.

The Lord answered their prayers for a family in His perfect timing. After a season of struggling to conceive, they were blessed with their first son, Nathaniel. When he reached school age, Ginny channeled her passion for children into co-founding a homeschool co-op in Coldwater, Michigan—a ministry that blessed the community for many years.

The Lord blessed them once more with the birth of their second son, Benjamin. Through the co-op, Sunday school, and her local community, Ginny poured her heart into every child she met, treating each one as her own and ultimately fulfilling her lifelong dream of nurturing a large, vibrant family.

A Ministry of Love and Legacy

As her health deteriorated in her later years, Ginny’s environment changed, but her mission did not. She firmly believed that you can serve Christ no matter where you are, and no matter how little your body can do.

When her mobility decreased, she poured her fierce love into her role as "Nana." She lovingly sewed endless doll clothes and children’s outfits for her grandchildren. When their closets could hold no more, she extended this gift to others, sewing handmade items to bring joy to children throughout her community. Whether she was sharing wisdom with her cleaning ladies, encouraging friends at church, or making phone calls to loved ones, Ginny used every precious moment on Earth to share the good news of the Lord. She was strong, practical, and fiercely compassionate, always speaking truth with love.

Survivors and Preceding Family

Ginny is survived by her devoted husband of 41 years, Robert Dwain Shelton; her beloved sons, Nathaniel Parker Shelton (Renee) and their 5 children and Benjamin Joseph Shelton (Mikayla) and their 4 children. She is also survived by her siblings, Barbara Justice, Debbie Essig, and David Staudenbauer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jane Staudenbauer, and her nephew, Jeremiah Staudenbauer.

Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at University Reformed Church, 841 Timberlane St., East Lansing, MI, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 am.