Lynda Sue (Sheldon) Shanley

Lynda Sue Shanley, 80, of Alanson, went home to be with her Father God on May 14, 2025.

She was born on September 7, 1944, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Lucille (Skinner) and Paul Sheldon. Lynda graduated from Petoskey High School in 1962. On November 18, 1967, she married Gary Shanley. Together they made their home in Petoskey where they raised their three children, then later moved into a cherished family home in Alanson previously owned by her grandparents.  The love Gary and Lynda shared was an inspiration to all who knew them.

A devoted stay-at-home mother, Lynda found great joy in creating a warm and loving home. She was deeply involved in her children's lives and had a nurturing heart for women. She was a passionate advocate for mothers, writing letters to local hospitals urging for fathers to be allowed in the delivery room, and she served as a leading member of La Leche League, supporting breastfeeding mothers. Lynda was also an avid reader, with her favorite book being the Bible and also loved to crochet afghans.

Lynda’s faith was central to her life. She ministered through jail outreach, Bible studies, Aglow International, and volunteered with the Nehemiah Project in Petoskey. She was quiet and gentle by nature, but bold in her faith. People were drawn to her kindness, sincerity, and lack of judgment. She was a student of the Bible and loved teaching all she learned to women’s groups. 

Lynda was a great listener and made people feel safe while around her. Many people opened up to her because she was genuine, vulnerable , and kind. She was always willing to pray with anyone who needed comfort. More than anything she loved her family deeply; she treasured every minute spent with her husband, kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Lynda is survived by her husband of 57 years Gary Shanley of Alanson; their children Garrick Shanley of Fox Lake, IL., Shelda (Rob) Blair of Alanson, MI., and Kerry (Jeff) Johnson of Caledonia, MI.; 11 grandchildren, Nick, Jack, Grant, and Graysen Shanley, Courtney (Jake) Ellis, Michael (Haylee) Blair, Anna Blair, Miranda (Nick) Asper, Evan, Ellie, and Mallory Johnson; two great-grandchildren Charlie Ellis and Murphy Asper; brother Gale (Sherry) Sheldon of Charlevoix; and sister Kelli Sheldon of Durango, CO.

She is preceded in death by her mother Lucille Sheldon, father Paul Sheldon, step-mother, Nadine Sheldon, and grandson Ty Shanley.

There will be a funeral service at Stone Funeral Home on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with an hour of visitation prior. Burial will take place immediately following at Greenwood Cemetery. Pastor Norm Byers will officiate. 

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home.

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