Myra Joan Shelt

Myra Joan Shelt, 70, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on May 15, 2023.  Myra was in great health, but a sudden brain aneurysm led her home to be with the Lord. She was comforted with her family by her side as she passed.

Myra was born to William and Catherine Shelt on June 16th, 1952 in Elkhart, Indiana.  She graduated from Elkhart High School in 1970.  Myra received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Goshen College in 1994, all while raising three children.

Myra loved her children immensely.  Reginald, Jeremiah, and Catherine Nicole were Myra’s pride and joy.  Myra’s love extended to her in-laws as well.  Erin Latham and Vern Smith were important members of Myra’s family.  Brandy Shelt and Myra would still take road trips together. 

Myra had five beautiful and talented grandchildren.  Jasmine Shelt, Halle Shelt, Cate Smith, Iris Smith and Lincoln Smith were jewels in Myra’s crown.  Basketball games, babysitting, cheerleading, softball and shopping were just a few of the things Myra loved to do with her grandchildren.

Myra is also survived by her sisters, Bonnie Miller and Esther Morris. Like Myra, Bonnie’s long career in the healthcare industry exemplifies the care and compassion passed down from Catherine.  Esther has lived in the South for decades, but Myra loved all her family from Alabama. However, as a Notre Dame fan, the love she had for her family could never get her to cheer for Auburn or Alabama.

Myra had some very special people in her life, some for a short time and some were lifelong friends.  Brittany Bailey and Myra developed a great respect for each other in the past four years.  Their taste in clothing was remarkably similar and became a common bond. Tiffany Markey was like a niece to Myra. Tiffany always called her Aunt Myra, and Myra always talked about how beautiful Kamdyn was.

There is no greater friendship than what Myra shared with Roxanne Davis and Judi Markey.  Myra loved spending time with each of them. Their friendships lasted more than five decades.  They had constant communication and have seen each other through all that life threw at them.  To say that Myra loved Roxanne and Judi would be an understatement; they were the friends that she could always count on.

Myra’s niece, Cathie Mabry, was a loved one who spoke with Myra multiple times a day. Her other nieces Michelle, Kim and  Sherry and nephews Donnie and Bruce were always in Myra’s prayers.

Myra also leaves behind her two dogs, Solomon and Sampson. They will miss the daily chicken and sausage meals she made for them. They stood guard over her until the very end.

Myra was preceded in death by her mother Catherine, father William, sister Marsha, brother Billy, brother-in-law Clifton, brother-in-law John, and nieces Christie and Carrie. 

Myra’s occupation as a nurse was her calling in life.  She would show up to work an hour early just to see her friends.  Myra tried to retire, but she couldn’t leave her friends on the unit short handed.  

Myra passed in the month of May, which means there will be an empty seat at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this year.  Myra attended the Indy 500 each year, and even found a way into the pits one year before being politely asked to return to her seat..  

Myra’s family would be remiss not to mention her admiration for her Amish roots.  The Stutzman reunion was an event Myra looked forward to.  The bond Myra had with the Miller family was a lifeline for her in times of need.  Myra’s home was filled with Amish references, and her monthly trips to Shipshewana were more than shopping trips; those trips were ways for her to reminisce about experiences her mother told her about over and over.

Myra’s love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was unwavering.  Myra was a devout Christian who lived every moment thinking about the Lord.  Her faith in God guided Myra’s every step.  As a woman of Faith,there was nothing Myra couldn’t accomplish.  The Lord has rewarded her works by calling her to be with Him.

Services for Myra will be held at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart, Indiana located at 812 Baldwin Street.  The viewing will be from 10-11 am on Saturday, May 20th, followed by the service at 11 am. Myra’s cousin, Bob Miller, will officiate the funeral. Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

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