Shelley M. Ehlert Obituary
A memorial visitation will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Shelley's life will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Elara Caring Hospice, care of the funeral home.
Shelley Marie Ehlert, age 65, passed away on October 19, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved with her whole heart. Born in Charlevoix, Michigan, on September 24, 1961, to Ronald and Loretta (Proctor) Hooson, Shelley had a heart of gold and enough sass to make sure no one mistook her kindness for a lack of opinions.
She was silly, spunky, and fiercely loyal, with a playful spirit and a deeply protective love for her people. She could make you laugh, tell you exactly what she thought, and make you feel loved in the same conversation. When someone she loved needed her, she showed up.
Above everything else, Shelley lived for her children and grandchildren. Her son, Jonathan, and daughter, Lesa, were the great loves of her life. Being their mom was a source of endless pride and happiness, and they never had to wonder how much they were loved.
Then came the grandchildren—and, as her children quickly discovered, there was a new ruling class. Maliah, Sloane, Kennedy, and Maddison had her heart completely. She delighted in who they were and who they were becoming. Every chance to spend time with them, celebrate them, or make another memory together was something to treasure. She loved being their grandma with an enthusiasm that left no doubt: this was her favorite part of life.
Shelley worked as a 911 dispatcher, helping others through some of their most frightening moments. She made her home in Dallas, Texas, for many years, building friendships and connections along the way. At home, she enjoyed decorating, the company of her beloved dogs, Bruno and Fancy, and cheering on the Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, and Michigan State Spartans. Christmas could never arrive soon enough for her; she loved its warmth, its joy, and the chance to make things special for the people she loved.
Her family will miss her sass, her silliness, and the fierce tenderness with which she loved them. They will carry forward the laughter she gave them and the certainty that being their mom and grandma made her life extraordinarily happy. Shelley is survived by her children, Jonathan Ehlert Jr. and Lesa Brenner; grandchildren, Maliah, Sloane, Kennedy, and Maddison; longtime companion, James "Bill" Pack; siblings, Karen (Ken) Schultz, Beth Dearing, Rhonda (John Gadberry) Hooson, Ronald (Kimberly) Hooson, and Greg (Krissy) Hooson; former spouse, Jonathan Ehlert Sr.; mother-in-law, Alice Ehlert; former son-in-law, Jon Brenner; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law, Russell Ehlert.
