On December 22, 2017 Leigh Ann Shella passed away, surrounded by her loving family.
Leigh was born May 23rd, 1956 to Hall Lamborn Shella and Lois Ruth Krapf in Pipestone, Minnesota. She grew up in the small town of Jasper, Minnesota where she graduated high school. Went on to University of Minnesota – Moorehead where she got a bachelor’s in special education. She continued her education at Friends University getting her Master’s in Family and Marriage therapy in 2001.
Leigh spent her life being a light for those in need. She worked tirelessly as a therapist but also a mentor and a healer. She was a Reiki master and create her own style of therapy infused with energy work and new age aspects. Later in life, she grew passionate as an herbalist. Graduating from a Prairiewise clinic herbalism program 2016 and became the director of Prairiewise herbal school in Lawrence, KS. She was passionate about using herbs and plants in natural medicine remedies. Her other passionate were her two grandchildren, crystals and rocks. She loved as she would say “digging in the dirt” and spending time with her kids.
She was preceded in death by her father, her sisters Susan and Jane, and her aunts Lila and Lora Mae.
She is survived by her three children, her daughter Jessica and her son Joe and his wife Mikayla of Lawrence, Ks and her son Joshua of San Diego, Ca, her two grandchildren Arabella and Jonathan Joseph “J.J”. Her mother Lois and her sister Cindy Shella-Tranby and brother-in-law Jim Tranby, her sister-in-law Lisa Lyngstad her niece Haley Tranby-Kanengietier all of Sioux Falls, SD. And her many cousins.
Her memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, December 30th, 2017 at Rumsey-Yost funeral home.
Donations can made at the family’s gofundme page. www.gofundme.com/LeighShella
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers
Class of 1974
As a high school classmate of Leigh, we were known to sometimes try to fool her parents. Unfortunately Hall, Leigh’s dad didn’t believe it was “potatoes ” in our sack for the camping trip. Fond memories of our Quartzsitter days at Jasper. What a special person sorry for your loss.
I was very saddened to hear of Leigh’s passing today. She was a very kind sole and a great listener. She helped me a few years back and I certainly will never forget her. I smiled reading about her love for “digging in the dirt”. I too, heard those exact words from her as she was preparing for one of her excursions. She loved her kids and adored her grandkids. She talked about all of you often. I’m sure she will be missed by many. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Jessica, I am so sorry for your loss, and I will keep you, your family, and friends in my prayers. I was so saddened to hear this today. You always speak so highly of your Mother. I enjoyed your stories. Please know that many are praying for your healing in this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss.
I grew up beside Leigh’s family when I was little, I have many fond memories of the Shella girls! I am so sorry for your loss, just remember that God broke our hearts to prove to us, that he only takes the BEST! Keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers!
Leigh’s words of wisdom are a part of many. The impact she made on this world is amazing and forever. I love Leigh and am so happy to have known her in my journey. The world is a better and healthier place because of Leigh. Rest in peace my friend.
Lois, Cindy and Leighs Kids and grandkids. Leigh was an awsome classmate. I really enjoyed touching base with her on facebook these last few years. Leigh and I candystriped together, girlscouts with Lois as our fearless leader. The Class of 74 was special because of people like Leigh. I will forever remember a camping trip to Shetek with Leigh and friends…..we talked about it a couple of months ago on facebook. RIP my friend until we meet again.
I knew Leigh through work. It has been approx. 1 1/2 years since last seeing her. Leigh was the most wonderful woman I have known and I enjoyed my appointments with her. Every visit she spoke of the love she had for her children…every visit. I was taken back and disheartened when I came across her obituary today in the paper. I had no idea… So sorry to hear. Could Jessica or Jerzy please call me at 785-760-0538.
Thoughts with Lois, Cindy, and Leigh’s children and grandchildren. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerzy-so sorry to read of your mom’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences.
Your Light has been dimmed, but will continue to shine in our hearts forever. Sending much love and heartfelt condolences to the family.