Mary Margaret Shelkey

Mary-Margaret Shelkey, 66, of Midland, TX, was welcomed into her Savior’s loving arms on October 22, 2021. Margaret was born to Victoriano Miramontes and Maria Dolores Miramontes on January 19, 1955, in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico. She moved with her parents to the United States in October 1962 where they quickly established roots in Pecos, TX. Her desire and admiration for learning started at a young age as she would soak up every book at the local school library. Her love of reading at a young age would eventually guide her to master multiple languages. She graduated from Pecos High School in May 1974. Immediately after high school, she moved to Lubbock, TX to attend Texas Tech University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature in May 1978. She would go on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in December 1985. Since Margaret was a life-long learner, she obtained a Master’s in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in December 2012. She loved to study both the Arts and Sciences and would view Engineering and Mathematics as two foreign languages. As a first-generation college graduate, she paved the way by inspiring countless others to achieve excellence as they chased after their own educational and career aspirations.

During her tenure at Texas Tech University, she worked for the school she loved so dearly while in pursuit of her first bachelor’s degree. In 1978, she started a new job at Texas Instruments. Margaret would dedicate the next twelve years to this company until they closed the Midland branch in 1990. With three girls to take care of, she spent the next two years employed by Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she was also a devout member. An opportunity would present itself at the Texas Department of Human Services for her from 1992 to 1994. In drawing from her first undergraduate degree, she would become employed by Midland Independent School District and join Robert E. Lee High School as a Spanish Language educator. While at Lee, she poured her heart and soul into a myriad of students that she crossed paths with. Margaret’s leadership with The Spanish Honor Society has left an everlasting legacy that lives on to this day. She was an avid supporter of the various societies and organizations at the high school. You would always see her cheering loudly in the stands while her Lee Rebels were scoring under those bright Friday night lights. She equally enjoyed attending both marching band competitions and concerts hosted by the band and orchestra directors since music always held such a special place in her life.

Margaret married the love of her life on April 9, 1983. Lawrence Joseph Shelkey was her fearless Marine who could always make her laugh until she cried. They loved each other deeply and their bond remains unbroken. They poured all the love they had into their three beautiful daughters who were the greatest joys of their life. Margaret loved spending time with her family creating memories by sharing stories, cooking meals, playing games, or hanging out and watching her grandkids play. When she wasn’t with family, Margaret was constantly serving in her community. She loved the Lord with all her heart and lived a life of service. At the tender age of four, she received her First Holy Communion solidifying her unwavering faith to the Roman Catholic Church. She volunteered many hours teaching CCD at Santa Rosa Catholic Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, and St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. She thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the Hermit Brothers at the Mount Carmel Hermitage in Cristobal, TX. She also supported the Sisters at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel in Corpus Christi, TX. Margaret touched countless lives with her servant’s heart. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Victoriano and Maria Dolores Miramontes. She will also be reunited with her husband, Larry, who was reunited with the Lord thirty-two years ago.

Margaret is survived by her daughter Angie Shelkey of Midland, TX; daughter Jennifer and husband John Maddox of Lubbock, TX; daughter Natalie and husband Seth Baker of Lubbock, TX; brother Victor and wife Pat of Midland, TX; brother Jerry Miramontes of Pecos, TX; sister Ana Roquemore of Lewisville, TX; brother Jesse and wife Melanie Miramontes of Dearborn, MI; sister Lupe and husband Greg Yarbrough of Rockport, TX; sister Loly and husband Russ DeArman of Corpus Christi, TX and brother Francisco and wife Sook Miramontes of Panama City Beach, FL. She was a caring and beloved aunt to all her nieces and nephews. Her legacy lives on through her precious grandsons that were the light of her life, Steven Maddox and Luke Baker.

In honor of Margaret, there will be a viewing held at Ellis Funeral Home on Friday, October 29, 2021 from 5 PM to 7 PM with a rosary prayer service to immediately follow. Final viewing will be held the next morning at Ellis Funeral Home on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Funeral procession from Ellis Funeral Home to the celebration of life mass at St. Ann’s Catholic Church will take place at 10:30 AM. The mass will be officiated by Father Timothy Hayter beginning at 11 AM. The pallbearers named for the service are brothers Victor, Jerry, Jesse, and Francisco Miramontes; brother-in-law Matthew Shelkey; nephew Victor Miramontes; her sons-in-law John Maddox and Seth Baker. Honorary pallbearers are her grandsons Steven Maddox and Luke Baker; brother-in-law Joseph Shelkey. The family would like to extend an invite to all guests to join them for a meal at the St. Ann’s Hall directly after the conclusion of the mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Life Center at 2101 W. Wall Street, Midland, TX 79701.

The family of Margaret Shelkey wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ellis Funeral Home and St. Ann’s Catholic Church for their support during this difficult time.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellisfunerals.com for the Shelkey family.