Shelby Jean Graetz

Shelby Jean Graetz, with her loving family following her specific wishes, died peacefully at home on February 11, 2021 from pancreatic cancer. She was born on September 4, 1937 in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Harold and Dottie Zenz (Burke).

Shelby met the love of her life, Thomas aka "Tom", when she ran into the back of his (prior to the crash) mint condition Corvair. Tom, smitten by her sweetness, cuteness, fun personality and Shelby's obvious need for him to help her improve her driving skills, asked her out on a date. The history that followed was an inseparable couple who spent their lives caring for their families, friends and genuinely enjoying their life together. They celebrated their 56th anniversary on January 16, 2021.

Shelby holds the honor of being the first female Deputy Sheriff at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. Earlier in her life, she worked at Win Schuler's Restaurant where she waited on and had photos taken with Detroit Tigers; Gates Brown, Willie Horton, Al Kaline, Billy Martin and Tommy Timmerman. She also worked at Airmaster, Jackson County Friend of the Court and Northern Michigan Exploration Company (NOMECo), from where she retired after 20 years of service.

Shelby enjoyed spending time at the Grotto Club with her husband, golfing, and any activity that involved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved football pools, lottery tickets and playing cards. She had an uncanny ability to bet on a bad hand and win. To those with whom she played poker: always remember that she loved you dearly and she loved you even more when you raised the bet, and she won the pot.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Patricia Ebersol; and a brother, Duane Zenz.

Surviving in addition to her husband, Tom, are her three daughters, Sandra Haney (Dan) of Texas, Carolyn (Casey) Thompson (Randy) and Melva Wolcott-Martin (Rick) of Jackson; six grandchildren, Dan Haney, Jr (Wendy), Graham Haney, Cassondra Vigue (Cindy), Craig Thompson (Amanda), Christina Thompson and Christopher Wolcott (Katie); thirteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Zenz and Linda Folkler; brothers in law and sisters in law, Larry and Teresa Graetz and Gary and Kelly Graetz; stepsister in law, Diane Cerqueria (Frank); stepbrother in law, John Dawson (Marilyn); two amazing ladies who were like daughters, Rhonda Woodruff and Shelly Christopher; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A special thank you to Gayle, Sheila, Roberta, Lisa, Renea, Angela and Orville from Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice for their excellent care. You all are truly angels from heaven, and we thank you from the bottom our hearts for your love, compassion and drying our tears.

Also, thank you to Mike Desnoyer and everyone at Desnoyer Funeral Home for helping us through this difficult time.

"One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, and to behold the Beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple." (Psalm 27:4)

At Shelby's request, cremation has taken place and no formal funeral is planned. The family with gather with friends to celebrate her life at a later date.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 131 years