Mrs. Shelley Anne Laughman, 70, of Granger, passed away peacefully at her home with her family at her side on Friday, June 30, 2023 around 10:40 am. She was born in Kankakee, Illinois to the late George "Lee" and Henrietta (Meents) Rice and later married the love of her life, James R. Laughman, who survives at home after 51 years together.

Shelley is also survived by her son James L. "Jamie" (Amanda Fidler) Laughman of Carmel; daughters Kimberley A. (Garrett) Ewen and Kandace R. (Jason) Collins, both of Granger; her brother Philip Rice from Tucson, Arizona; her sister Terrie Bailey of Sumpter, South Carolina, and grandchildren Caden, Gavin and Linzie Ewen and Kelsey, Morgan and Reece Collins. She is also survived by a loving host of extended family and good friends. Shelley's brother Gregory Rice precedes her in death.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services are hosting Shelley's homegoing services on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning there at 10:00 am. Chaplain Jeremy Sarber will officiate services and burial will follow at Sugar Grove Cemetery in Goshen.

While Shelley worked a few jobs here and there throughout her life, her real calling was to care for her family, whom she loved very much. Whether it was tailgating in the Notre Dame parking lot (she was a HUGE Notre Dame fan), relaxing at her cottage on Clear Lake near Three Rivers, sitting down to a home cooked, table served meal (every night) or taking "historical" family trips that included places like Washington, DC and various other famous locales along the eastern seaboard, she did it with her family in tow and wouldn't have it any other way. The kids would be the first to say that it was mom who first sparked their interest in family history and American history in general, and these trips made learning fun and memorable. We also mentioned that she enjoyed her trips to the Clear Lake cottage, and it was well known that Shelley loved commandeering the pontoon boat so she could putter around the lake at will.

Shelley lived her life to the fullest until it was apparent that her extended illness had outstayed its tolerated co-existence. But not before Shelley had instilled values of empowerment, independence and strength in her children, especially her girls. They always referred to their mom as "girl tough", and Shelley had told them that girls were ALWAYS allowed to be resilient and resourceful when necessary.

Shelley was beautiful, strong, and always looked amazingly young for her age. She enjoyed taking long drives and listening to Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles or her beloved Beatles. Her get-aways to Ft. Myers Beach in Florida with Jim were always an anticipated escape for Shelley, where she could have a chance to replenish a weary soul.

Family and friends are invited to browse Shelley's obit page at the funeral home's website for further information and other services available. In lieu of flowers, folks have been asked to donate something to the charity of one's choice or to Heart To Heart Hospice Dementia Care.

Charity of One's Choice

Heart to Heart Hospice
1178 Fremont Court, Ste. 2, Elkhart IN 46516
Tel: 1-574-350-4977