Shelly Ardis Kuney

Shelly was born on October 2, 1944, in Pomona, CA. Shelly was the youngest of three children born to Bill and Muriel Smith. Along with her older brother and sister, Greg and Karen, Shelly had a happy childhood raised by their loving parents in multiple homes throughout California, following her father’s career in the criminal justice system and as a professor. Shelly graduated from Berkeley High School in 1962 and went on to attend University of the Pacific where she met the love of her life, Max Jeffrey Kuney III (Jeff). After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in speech pathology, Shelly and Jeff were married on June 4, 1965. The two settled in Seattle, WA where Shelly attained a Master of Speech Pathology from the University of Washington.

In 1968, Shelly and Jeff relocated to Spokane, WA for the rest of their adult lives. Shelly immersed herself in the Spokane community, becoming involved in countless volunteer and charitable endeavors. Shelly helped found the Spokane Guild School (now known as Joya) while volunteering her speech therapy services as well, helping numerous children in need. She was an active member of the Junior League and was an integral part of launching KPBX, the first public radio station in Eastern Washington. She was also a part of the committee that spearheaded the installation of the iconic Red Wagon in Riverfront Park. Shelly served on the Saint George’s School Board for six years and served as Board Chair for two of those years. She was an active member of Manito United Methodist Church, PEO, her Kappa Alpha Theta alumni group, and enjoyed volunteering for M&M Tots where she connected with countless toddlers and young families. In recent years, Shelly also served as a board member and staunch supporter for the Mobius Discovery Center and was immensely proud when they were able to open in their current location. Shelly had a deep love for the Spokane community and was always looking for ways to lend her time and talents.

The loss of her husband, Jeff, in 2005 altered the trajectory of Shelly’s later years but her commitment to embracing life through family, friends and community never wavered. Shelly stepped in and served as Chairman of the Board for the family business (Max J. Kuney Company), organized many international trips with both friends and family, and maintained the family home to be a welcome gathering place. Shelly will be remembered for her ability to bring people together and her passion for new experiences.

As much as Shelly gave to her community, her priority and greatest love was always her family. Jeff and Shelly were blessed with four children, Max, Lori, Valerie, and Daniel, and they made every effort to raise a tight knit, loving family. Shelly and Jeff enjoyed taking family vacations, gathering with extended family, supporting their kids’ sports and activities, welcoming their children’s friends into their home, and instilling in their children a love of faith, family and community. Shelly was seen by many of her children’s friends as a “second mom” as her home was a welcoming gathering place. Friends knew that any sleepover was likely to end in Shelly’s famous banana pancakes in the morning, which was a sought-after treat. Shelly was also known by many as “Mrs. Claus” as she and Jeff put on a Santa Party each year for friends and family starting in 1965. Their children have continued the tradition thus marking almost 60 years of Kuney Santa Parties.

Shelly went from being an extraordinary mom to an extraordinary grandmother to her ten grandchildren: Connie and Jeff Kuney; Jack, Timothy and Annie Sawyer; Jacob and Luke Whitman; and Samantha, Emmaline and Mitchell Kuney. She loved being “Oma” and was an enthusiastic babysitter, board game player, baker, fairy house builder, Disney movie watcher, bedtime story reader, Christmas stocking knitter and baby whisperer. Shelly also considered her daughters and sons-in-law, and nieces and nephews like her own children. Shelly’s love for family was boundless.

Shelly is survived by her four children and their spouses, all of whom live in Spokane; Max and Mary Kuney, Lori and Ben Sawyer, Valerie and Tod Whitman, and Daniel and Sarah Kuney; her ten grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Dave Torrell; her sisters-in-law Cheri Smith and Caroline (Kuney) Carter; numerous nephews and nieces, and many friends. Shelly has a large welcoming committee in Heaven, with her beloved husband, Jeff Kuney; grandchildren, Joseph and Molly Sawyer; parents, Bill and Muriel Smith; brother, Greg Smith; and niece, Tracy Janney.

A Celebration of Shelly’s life will be held for family and friends on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 2pm

at Manito United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow at Manito Country Club. Reverend Sandy Ward of MUMC will officiate. Shelly was a joyful person who loved the colors of spring, so guests are welcome to dress accordingly. Memorial contributions may be made to Vanessa Behan, Christ Kitchen, Family Promise, Joya Child and Family Development, or the charity of your choice.