Shela Fay Tesdall

Shela Fay Tesdall, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her parents, Shelby and Thelma Purvis, and her siblings, Morris and Eddie. Her sister, Dimple, passed away shortly after Shela's passing. She is survived by her devoted husband of many years, Darrell Wayne Tesdall; her three sons, Larry, David, and Gary; eight grandchildren, Arthur, Cedrick, Eric, Grace, Isaiah, Karl, Ian, and Mikayla; and five great-grandchildren.

Born on March 7, 1937, in Missouri, Shela was the youngest of four children. She pursued higher education, completing two years of junior college and one semester at the University of Colorado before dedicating her life to her family and faith.

For more than 60 years, Shela served as a homemaker and the heart of her family. She was known for her unwavering dedication, her servant's heart, and her quiet strength. Throughout her adult life, she was actively involved in church work, giving generously of her time and talents in service to others. Shela had a particular love for Hume Lake Christian Camps, where she attended multiple Servants Weeks and contributed her skills to various service roles.

Those who knew Shela will remember her warmth, her sense of humor, and her genuine care for everyone around her. She lived out her faith daily, finding joy in serving her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the values she instilled in her loved ones.

A memorial service to celebrate Shela's life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Coastal Community Fellowship in Fountain Valley, California. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hume Lake Christian Camps in honor of Shela's devotion to the ministry: http://hume.org/give/