Nella Lee Shellabarger

SHELLABARGER, Nella Lee, passed away peacefully July 24, 2008 at Springhills Assisted Living Facility in Middletown, Ohio. She was born on April 13, 1912 in Beavercreek, OH daughter of Lesslie Myers and Nellie Polly. Nella Lee's life focused upon raising her family and educating hundreds of young children. She graduated from Dayton Junior Teachers College and attended Miami and Wright State Universities. An entrepreneur, she created and taught Kindergarten and Pre-School classes in Beavercreek for 41 years and her early childhood programs became the model for the first formal Kindergarten within the Beavercreek School System. Her experiences were vast, living through the great Depression, World War II, Korean War, and the Vietnam War. She experienced many societal firsts such as the 1st television, the first car, supermarkets, computers, electric lights, paved roads, womens right to vote, shopping malls, and many others. She was most proud of her children daughter, Colleen a professional educator within the Beavercreek School system and son, Dennis a professional soldier. She dedicated decades of service to her community Grange, the Eastern Star, and the Beavercreek School System. She was an Elder Emeritus at Central Christian Church in Kettering. Her life was also filled with more than 20 special animal pets. Her husband Vernard Shellabarger, and daughter Colleen Shellabarger predecease her. Son Dennis Shellabarger lives in Steuben, Maine. The lights of her life were Grandchildren: Bart Shellabarger of Hebron, MD, Eric McKinley of Seaside Park, NJ, Ellen Hughes of Pittsburgh, PA, Laureen Roe of Franklin, OH, Kirk McKinley of Williamsburg, VA, and Reid McKinley of Charlotte, NC. Her 12 great grand children provided a tremendous joy in her life. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering where her many friends will gather to celebrate her life. Rev. Laureen Roe and Rev. Dixie S. French will be officiating the service. A visitation will be held from 1-2:00 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.Private burial in Beaver Cemetery. Condolences and other remembrance may be sent to www.routsong.com.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429