Marceille Janell Shelley

Marceille Janell (Keplinger) Shelley entered her heavenly home on Friday, July 15 after over 93 faith-filled years on this earth (a number she kept quite secret). She was born at home in Zanesville (Wells County), Indiana to Homer "Harry" and Amy (Brown) Keplinger on March 14, 1929. Marceille married Carl "Bill" William Shelley on April 5, 1953. Together they started a family and eventually built their home (which she proudly described to many as the only tri-level on the street) in Waynedale, Indiana. She remained in this beloved home for the rest of her life, and many of her friends and family adoringly referred to her as the “Mayor of Waynedale.” She may very well be the only true and honest politician out there. Marceille was a woman of many interests, the first and foremost being her faith in Christ and her love for her family. She served the church in many capacities throughout her life, her most recent service being as a volunteer at the Trinity United Methodist food pantry and thrift store. She also bent over backward to serve her family and spend time with them. She made many long treks across the country to see her children and grandchildren. Not deterred by her age, she regularly drove herself from Ft. Wayne, "where the real people lived", to Indianapolis to spend holidays and special occasions with those she loved locally. Marceille was an accomplished musician, discovering a love and proficiency for the art at an early age. She began playing the organ for her Zanesville church at the age of 9 and continued to play as a church and funeral home organist for the following 80 years, serving multiple locations including Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, Waynedale United Methodist Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, Grace St. John United Methodist, and Grace Presbyterian. She also served her community as a piano teacher, sharing her heart for music with future generations. Amongst everything else, Marceille loved all Indiana basketball. Whether it was the Hoosiers, the Boilermakers, or the Pacers, she didn’t care. She watched it all, rooting whole-heartedly for an Indiana win and not afraid to boldly add her critiques of the team on the days that they played below her high expectations. When it wasn’t basketball season, it was garage sale season. She loved hosting yard sales and meeting people who saw value in her “stuff.” For years she was frequently found around a kitchen table, but rarely cooking. Instead, you would often find her and her friends in the midst of an intense game of cards. She loved the nature of the games but really enjoyed the opportunity to fellowship with her friends. She is survived by her children, Katherine K. (Kent) Slick, Karen J. (Lee) Robertson, Kevin K. (Jane) Shelley, and Karlene S. (Roc) Byrd; grandchildren, Dana (Slick) Milyo, Darla (Slick) Cowan, David, Devin, Daren, and Dylan Slick, Aaron Robertson, Abraham and Tristan Shelley, Joseph Byrd, Sarah (Byrd) Ernst, Roc Jr., Benjamin, Gabriel, and Joshua Byrd; and her great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jacob, Josiah, Zachary, and Caraleigh Robertson, Keller and CJ Milyo, Melody and Jack Slick, Michael, William and Robert Cowan, Peyton Byrd, Juliette Janelle and Corinne Ernst. Marceille is now blessedly reunited with many loved ones who preceded her in death including her parents; husband, Carl William Shelley; sister, Wilda Kamm; and her granddaughters, Christa Robertson and Destiny Slick. We all look forward to the day that we may also trade our best “wooden nickels” (which she always warned us not to take) to join her in paradise. Marceille loved well and was well-loved by many. She always described herself as “fat and sassy” but we all agree she was only half right. She was not fat, but she certainly was a devoted wife, an adoring mother, and a dedicated grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be remembered as a humble, though vibrant, spirit who was known for her brilliant execution of many goofy jokes and her many one-liners which will surely be passed down for generations. So, live your life joyfully like Marceille, “for crying in the bucket”, and “we’ll see you in the funnies”. A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Monday, July 25, 2022 at Klaehn, Fahl, & Melton Funeral Home 6424 Winchester Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held form 3-7pm on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Parkinson's Research Foundation or Trinity UMC Food Bank.