Mildred Dorathea (Bess) Shell

Mildred Shell – August 14, 1919 – July 3, 2024

On the bright and beautiful morning of July 3, Mildred Dorathea (Bess) Shell left this earth and went home to be with Jesus, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication that will continue to endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was born to Ephraim and Dorathea (Mabuce) Bess on her parent’s farm just north of Marble Hill. As part of her farm life, she learned to fish and sew, and help her parents on the farm. Mildred graduated from Lutesville High School in 1938 and attended SEMO University before working for the ASC office in Marble Hill. In November of 1942, she married George Howard Shell in Reno, Nevada, at the beginning of World War II. Their life story was one of faith, endurance, steadfast support, laughter, and shared dreams.

Mildred worked either full- or part-time throughout her life. During the war, she worked as a caseworker for the Bollinger County Welfare office and the AAA office. After Howard returned from the service, he and Mildred bought the IGA grocery store in Lutesville and operated it until 1950. In 1959, they purchased Sunset Floral Shop, and ran it until 1968. After retiring from the floral shop, Mildred also worked for Bollinger County Bank and Lape’s Bernina sewing shop in Cape Girardeau. Most recently, she had her own business creating and selling potholders for local businesses.

Mildred was quite active in a number of community organizations, both locally and throughout the state. She was Worthy Matron for Eastern Star of Victory Chapter #431 in Marble Hill and District Deputy Grand Matron for 49th District of Eastern Star, a member of White Shrine chapter in Cape Girardeau Ninth District President for Missouri General Federation of Womens Clubs as well as President of our local chapter Marble Hill Study Club, and State President of Missouri Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary. She was also a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, a charter member of VFW chapter, a member of the Missouri Extension Council board, chaired the Red Cross canteen during local blood drives, a member of Rebekah Lodge, and chaired the Bicentennial Flag ceremony for our town’s centennial. Mildred also served as PTA president twice, one term for each of her children. At the time of her passing, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Marble Hill, actively participating as church organist, former head of the kitchen committee and Sunday School teacher, a member of GFWC Marble Hill Study Club, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Bollinger County Health Center.

During this time, she was honored to receive several awards. These included being the first outstanding Rural Letter Carrier Auxiliary member in the state of Missouri, named as the first Woodland Future Homemakers of America honorary member as well as receiving honorary membership as part of Woodland’s Future Farmers of America, and named as one of 11 women to receive the Missouri Merit Mother award in 1976. Mildred was also elected the first woman alderman for Marble Hill.

As if that weren’t enough to keep busy, Mildred loved gardening and canning, and sewed most of the clothing for her family. She was an expert cook, crafting delicious dishes from what she had in her kitchen, a skill learned during her life during the Great Depression.

She was also a listener, coach and a mentor to many, many people in Bollinger County and beyond, never too busy to talk with anyone who needed guidance or a shoulder to lean on.

Mildred is survived by her daughter, Dotta Roberts; grandson Brian (Francine) Shell, step-granddaughters Kelley (Paul) Austin, Mandee (Mark) Flores; great-grandchildren Parker and Campbell Shell, John Paul (Sarah) Austin and Lewis Austin, and Mandee and Maddox Flores.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Shell, son Jack Shell, son-in-law Larry Roberts and her parents.

Visitation for Mildred will be Friday, July 12 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Marble Hill, with funeral services on Saturday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m., also at the church. Burial will be at Baker Cemetery immediately after the service.

Mildred was one of a kind, a shining light in the Bollinger County community. We were blessed to have her with us for so many years with good health in mind and body. She was the go-to person for Bollinger County and family history, sharing wonderful stories of days gone by. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her spirit will continue to inspire us to be better, more compassionate and loving individuals. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, and she will definitely be missed.

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