Katherine Elizabeth Rita Jones Shell

Katherine Elizabeth Rita “Kay” Jones Shell - passed away peacefully December 14, 2011. Kay had been lovingly cared for by her devoted husband, Tom (until his death on December 2, 2011); son, Tommy; daughter-in-law, Pat; and caretakers of SAAD since Kay’s devastating stroke in October of 2010. Kay was born March 31, 1922. She and Tom met and married in California and moved first to Georgianna, Alabama, followed by Montgomery, Dothan, Mobile, and Spanish Forth, making friends easily everywhere she went. She volunteered throughout the years of raising their two children, Tommy and Diane; sewed many years for herself and Diane; was an outstanding cook (her shortbread was in wide demand) and enjoyed sharing her favorite recipes with family and friends. Kay was a member of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church from 1968 when the Shells moved to Mobile. Kay and Tom moved to Westminster Village in 2001 in Spanish Fort and quickly made friends and became involved with activities such as line dancing. She volunteered with many committees there, especially helping in the Marketing department. She became the “resident pet sitter” and cared for many cats and dogs when owners traveled, and provided the loving care for the resident long-tailed parakeet, Joseph. Kay was generous and loving to all, and she will be missed forever by family and friends. Kay is survived by her son, Thomas W. Shell, Sr. and daughter-in-law, Pat; daughter, Diane and son-in-law, Greg Lewis of Idaho Falls, ID; grandsons, Ashton Lewis of Springfield, MO, Thomas W. Shell, Jr. of Pensacola, FL, and Jamie Riley of Germany; granddaughters, Kelli Tew of Slocomb, AL and Susan Blackston of Charleston, SC; two great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter; sister, Betty Bussiere; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held from the chapel at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile on Sunday, December 18, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. The family will receive friends in the Gathering Place at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the service hour. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kay’s name to Dauphin Way United Methodist Church or the Baldwin Animal Rescue Center (B.A.R.C.) in Fairhope. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.