Racine – Julie Marie (nee: Rothering) Shelby, age 86, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at home on Thursday, October 26, 2023.

Julie was born in Racine on July 24, 1937, to the late Arthur and Fay (nee: Shaw) Rothering. She was a 1954 graduate of St. Catherine's High School. On November 13, 1954, in St. Rose Catholic Church, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, John F. Shelby.

Julie truly excelled at her main vocation in life of being a full-time mom and grandma. After her nine children were grown, she was employed, with a smiling face, at Hardee's from 1981-1993.

With profound faith, she was a longtime member of St. Edward Catholic Church where she was active as a Eucharistic Minister, sang in the choir, and a member of the bell choir. Julie was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus #697 Auxiliary. Among her interests, she enjoyed cooking, bowling, ceramics, golfing, playing cards and dominoes. Above all, Julie's world completely revolved around her family, and she loved every minute of it.

Surviving are her loving husband of nearly 69 years, John; their children, Michael (Sue Jarvela) Shelby, Natalie (Ron) Griffin, Patricia (Stephen) Roberts, Thomas (Jean) Shelby, David Shelby, Julie (Scott) Baker, Peter (Mima Kriem) Shelby and Mary Sue (Warren) Lester; 30 adored grandchildren; 46 dear great-grandchildren; 4 cherished great-great-grandchildren; sister, Fay Marie Lynch; brother, Robert (Marge) Rothering; sister-in-law, Mary Grant; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Julie was preceded in death by her beloved son, Daniel Shelby (passed away May 20, 2020); two grandchildren, Amy & Courtney; brother, John Rothering; sister, Virginia (Donald) Hansen; and brother-in-law, Chester "Chet" Lynch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 3:00 pm in St. Edward Catholic Church, 1425 Grove Avenue, with Fr. Juan Manuel Camacho officiating. A memorial dinner will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Wednesday from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Private interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. In memory of Julie, memorials to Knights of Columbus Council 697 or to St. Edward Catholic Church have been suggested.

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