Racine – Shelly Marie Melby, age 52, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday morning, August 11, 2014 following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Shelly was born in Racine on April 28, 1962. She attended Trinity Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Racine Lutheran High School in 1980.

On September 18, 1982 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Shelly was united in marriage with the love of her life, Robert M. Melby.  Shelly had worked in a nursing home and daycare before fulfilling her lifetime dream of devoting herself to her family as a stay-at-home Mom.  For almost 20 years Shelly had been employed by McDonald's restaurant, most recently working in the office.

Wonderfully gifted as a people person, Shelly loved everybody. She was a volleyball fanatic who has played on various teams since the 1990's. She also enjoyed bowling,  crocheting, camping,  going out with her volleyball family, supporting her husband's passion of sailing at the Racine Yacht Club, and (believe it or not) loved to cut grass.  Above all, Shelly loved being in the surroundings of all her family and friends. She especially loved "Monday Nights" with her mother, sisters and other family members.

Surviving are her loving husband of nearly 32 years, Robert "Bob" Melby; their children, Melissa (Joey) Zauner, Holly Melby and Zachary Melby; adored grandchildren, Joseph  Zauner, Nathan  Zauner and Mya  Zauner; mother, Sally (nee: Cherney) Holterman; father, Richard (Joyce) Holterman; sisters, Joy (Mick) Barton, Robin Hagen and Amy (Don) Davis; brother-in-law, Richard "Rocky" Melby; nieces and nephews, Chrissy and Steve Barton; Chad (Erin) Hagen and Casey (Tyler) Pitt; Katlynne and Dakota Davis; other special relatives, neighbors and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

Shelly was preceded in death by Bob's parents, Melvin and Grace (nee: Erhardt) Melby.

A memorial service to celebrate Shelly's life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, August 15, 2014 at 6:00 pm with Rev. David Gehne officiating. A reception will follow at Roma Lodge. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Private entombment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. In memory of Shelly, memorials to the Jane Cremer Foundation have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Hospital, Cancer Center & Hospice and to Dr. Choi, Debbie  & staff for the compassionate care and support; and to all of our family & friends for standing by our side during the past several months. Shelly truly loved all of you!