William C. Shelver

William C. Shelver died Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at home in Litchfield Park, Arizona. Bill, as he was called by family and friends, passed away peacefully after a short illness. Bill Shelver was born on September 6, 1923 in North Platte, Nebraska.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle N. Shelver and Louise Shelver. He was particularly devoted to his mother, and was dedicated to his family and friends throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Lyle N. Shelver, Jr., James Robert Shelver, and Theodore Shelver. Of the siblings, their sister Donna Sargis of Henderson, Nevada, survives.

Bill was happily married to Irene D. Shelver for 30 years. She passed away on October 12, 1998. Their home was always the gathering place for family and friends. After their retirement from the insurance industry, they traveled the world extensively.

Bill was employed in the insurance industry for 42 years, with a specialty in the surety business. He retired on March 31, 1991 from Firemans Fund. He was a member of the Seattle Surety Association for many years and a respected professional. In later years, while still living in the Seattle area, his home with Irene, he served on the Board of Directors of the Wandering Creek Retirement Community in Bothell, Washington.

Bill had the good fortune, a year after Irene?s passing, to meet and marry the widow, Marge McNatt. Marge and Bill Shelver had three wonderful years of marriage, and enjoyed, in addition to family and friends, the opportunity to take seven international trips. Traveling to see new places, learn, and meet new people was one of his greatest pleasures. They returned from a trip to Africa as recently as December of 2002. Marge will continue to live in Litchfield Park.

Bill is survived by his children Linda C. Simpson of San Antonio, Texas; William E. Shelver of Lynnwood, Washington; Cheryl Charles Samples of Litchfield Park, Arizona and Santa Fe, New Mexico; grandchildren Richard Fuidge, Kim Paulson, Stician Samples, Gregg Shelver, Ryan Simpson, and five great grandchildren.

A generous, social and loving man who brought great joy to his family and friends, he will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service to honor and celebrate Bill Shelver?s life will be held on the date of what would have been his 80th birthday, September 6, 2003, at Noon, Washelli Mortuary, in Seattle, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Hospice of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona; or to the Salvation Army.