In Loving Memory of Shelly Denise Ethridge November 11, 1968 – September 7, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shelly Ethridge, a beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, and friend, who departed this world at the age of 54. Shelly’s earthly journey came to an end on September 7, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories that will forever linger in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Shelly was raised in Clute, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Tracy Ethridge, in December 1986. She was a remarkable individual who touched the lives of everyone she met. Her warmth, kindness, and infectious smile were her trademarks, as well as a sharp wit for entertaining stories.
Shelly was a dedicated professional, having worked many specialty logistics roles from Dow Freeport Site to Dow Global Operations. Her unwavering work ethic and ability to bring people together made her a source of inspiration to her peers. She was respected not only for her expertise, but also for her encouragement and willingness to lend a helping hand. Assisting others to excel gave her considerable joy.
However, Shelly’s greatest joy came from being a mother to her three children, Hayden, Alex and Jordan. She poured her heart and soul into nurturing them, imparting valuable life lessons, and fostering a loving home filled with laughter, warmth, patience & interesting vocabulary. Shelly’s love for her children was boundless, and she took great pride in their accomplishments and the people they had become.
In her free time, Shelly enjoyed gardening, dogs, traveling & cooking. She routinely donated fresh vegetables to the local food pantries from the backyard garden she and Tracy nurtured year after year. Shelly’s love for nature and zest for life were evident. She could frequently be found on her back deck feeding frogs and lizards.
Shelly is preceded in death by her mother, Gwendolyn Gilliam Mitcham.
She is survived by her father, Terry Lee Mitcham; husband, Tracy Ethridge; sons, Hayden Ethridge and Alex Ethridge; daughter Jordan Ethridge; sister Cyndi Yzaguirre (Rene), and brother Russell Symons (Marsha). Also left to cherish her memory are her beloved French Bulldogs (AKA the Thugs), CC and Bender.
A celebration of Shelly’s life will be held on Thursday September 14th at 1pm, Stroud Funeral Home, 288B Clute TX. Family and friends are invited for visitation prior to the service from 12pm-1pm to join in remembering and honoring her legacy.
Meal and visitation to follow Shelly’s Memorial Service at First Baptist Church of Richwood, 2400 Brazosport Blvd North (288B), Richwood. Gathering will be in the Fellowship Hall, located in the rear of the Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Lone Star Dog Ranch (dogranchrescue.com; info@lonestardogranch.com) or Brazoria County SPCA in her memory.
Shelly Denise Ethridge will forever be remembered for her generosity, radiant smile, and ability to make everyone around her feel valued and loved, and she will be deeply missed. May she find eternal peace, and may her memory live on in our hearts forever.