Mary Ruth Shell was born in New Orleans, LA on September 12, 1946; died in Nashville, TN on November 3, 2015 at the age of 69, surrounded by her family. Mary Ruth loved her family and friends, and that passion was never more evident than when she was entertaining friends, taking in a Titans game, or joining them on the links for a round of golf. She graduated from Dreher High School in Columbia, South Carolina and received her B.S. (1969) and Masters in Education from the University of South Carolina. Mary Ruth’s commitment to community was reflected in a wide range of services. She was one of the early Chairs of the Nashville Symphony, and twice chaired the Iroquois Steeplechase and chaired the inaugural Tennessee Performing Arts Center Gala. She was a graduate and active alumnus of Leadership Nashville. A member of the Tocqueville Society of The United Way of Metropolitan TN. Mary Ruth also gave of her time serving as Secretary of Women United in Giving, as a member of the Strengthening Families Council, and on the Community Allocations Committee. She also volunteered at Cheekwood, the Red Cross and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Additionally, she was a member of The Centennial Club. Most recently, Mary Ruth found a new calling in mediation. As a mediator she was able to use her calm demeanor and gentle wit to resolve often-tense family court matters. She served on the board of the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center, frequently mentoring new mediators as they entered the field. Mary Ruth was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where her deep faith and love of the church called her to serve the Congregation Care Community, Disaster Response, and the Joy and Learning program for Kids. She also worked with the Planning Team for Adult Class Series and Managing Life Challenges group, and was a Mentor of Confirmer for her granddaughter, Madeline. Survived by husband: Owen G. (Bob) Shell, Jr.; children: James Walker Shell, Katherine Sloan Shell, Robert Owen Shell (Tara), Mary Carroll (Callie) Shell (Vincent Musi); grandchildren: Madeline Gladstone Shell, James Hunter Musi, Lauren Shell, Jordan Shell, and Bobby Shell; sister, Anna Trammell Huffstetler. A private burial service will be held for the family at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be held from ten o’clock in the morning until twelve, followed by a service in the chapel at noon on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Avenue in Nashville, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37205; Nashville Conflict Resolution Center, 4732 W. Longdale Dr., Nashville, TN 37211; or the Nashville Humane Society, 213 Oceala Ave., Nashville, TN 37209. Honorary Pallbearers: Jean and Denny Bottorff, Trudy and Bill Carpenter, Carla and Dick Evans, DeWitt Ezell, Judy Heigler, The Honorable William and Debby Koch, Kathy Konduros, Claire and Rick Miller, Hayden and Jimmy Pickel, Virginia and Doyle Rippee, Bailey and Laura Sue Robinson, Anne and Joe Russell, Beth and John Stein, Elaine and Bruce Sullivan, Dee and Jackie Thompson, Ken L. Roberts, Ashley & Lou Conners.
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