Adams 1953 Shirley M (Nelund) Sells

May 12, 1935 - Jan. 31, 2018

SOUTH BEND - Shirley Marie Sells, 82, of South Bend, IN peacefully found her way home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at her home. She courageously fought Alzheimer's for many years. She was born on May 12, 1935 in South Bend, IN to the late Fredrick A. and Marie Elizabeth (Crowell) Nelund. On April 16, 1955 at the River Park Church of Christ in South Bend, she was united in marriage to Gary L. Sells, who survives.

She is also survived by three daughters, Karren (Mark) Keller, Kathy (Joe) Campoli, and Julie (Terry) Pennington all of Mishawaka, IN; her grandchildren, Nicole (Shaun) Glingle, Erik (Kim) Keller, Sierra (Wes) Liggett, Kaitlynn Campoli, Jarred (Molly) Campoli, Jordan (Allyson Massing) Pennington, Taylor Pennington, and Kyler Pennington; and three great-grandchildren, Eleanor Liggett, Sam Liggett, and Noah Campoli. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Joyce Nelund.

Shirley was a lifelong resident of South Bend. She graduated from John Adams High School in 1954. Shirley was the owner of Shirley's Homemade Donuts and Deli which sold “Hot Potato Donuts”. She also worked as a secretary/bookkeeper for her husband. She was a member of Deer Run Church of Christ, school board member of Michiana Christian Academy, and Hope Rescue Mission. She volunteered at Hannah's House and the YWCA. She also volunteered as a Campfire mom, Blue Bird Mom, and Homeroom Mom, youth group leader, and Sunday school teacher. Shirley and Gary were both instrumental in founding Michiana Christian Service Camp in Niles, MI. She volunteered many summers as camp cook and cabin mom. Shirley and her husband helped found and support a number of local churches. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family and friends at their lake home on Lake Michigan. Through it all, her husband was by her side and their love never waivered. Both were blessed with compassionate, loving care. Words can never convey our gratitude to that group of dedicated women.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service Tuesday.

Contributions in memory of Shirley Sells may be offered to Deer Run Church of Christ, 2730 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46614; or Michiana Christian Service Camp, 7383 Steinbauer Road, Niles, MI 49120. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Feb. 3, 2018

jmc 3 feb 2018