Many of us remember Miss Shellenberger, who instilled in us a love of English Literature, who gently slashed our English compositions with red ink, and who led her life with grace and poise. She died on Tuesday, March 12. Her niece, Judy Nash called to tell me this news. It was a tender and short-lived passing over just a few days. For the past couple of years she had spent most of her time resting in bed. She always received her visitors with a big smile and a welcome greeting until the end on Monday when she could only manage the smile for her nephew, David Nash. He had come to tuck her in and kiss her goodnight. The next day, just as Spring was blooming in Wichita, she slipped away.
You might remember that her birthday was December 24. I asked Judy Nash if Miss Shellenberger had received any cards from her students this year. The answer was yes, so if anyone in our class sent one, please know that she always enjoyed them. Her eyesight was failing, so she couldn’t read the messages anymore. But she loved seeing the cards and hearing them being read to her. She was always an avid correspondent so these gestures meant a lot to her.
Goodbye to this interesting and dedicated woman. She honored us by giving her best efforts to our classes. We honor her memory now.
– Barb Hammond
She attained national status when she was listed in Who’s Who of American Women, Fourth Edition, 1966-1967 (Wilmette, IL: Marquis Who’s Who, 1965). This directory serves to acknowledge “formidable women from diverse industries including education, business, the arts and communications.”
She was loved by her students. Two years ago this month Barbara Hammond wrote an article about her in the Active Age paper. She mentioned the comments she had heard about Miss Shellenberger. “She was my favorite teacher of all time,” “I found she had a quick wit which surprised at times,” and “What a gift she was to all of us who enjoyed her English literature class.” Dr. Robert Gates (East High ’61) wrote in a personal letter to her, “Special thanks for setting high standards for us and expecting us to meet them…. You also brought elegance and style to the classroom in a way that impressed and elevated us.”
She belonged to the Wichita Art Museum, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and Botanica. She had season tickets to Music Theater of Wichita and attended with a friend who had “connections” that allowed them to go backstage. She loved to travel both at home and in foreign countries.
She was a strong woman of faith and was very active in the First Church of the Nazarene where she was secretary of the church board for decades. She kept meticulous minutes. She also sang in the choir, taught a Bible study class, was active in the World Missions program and at times taught a Sunday School class.
Her relationship with her family, especially her nieces and nephews,
was special. They will testify to her sense of humor, her lovely Christmas decorations, beautifully wrapped gifts, and her elegant tables. It was always special for them to go to Aunt Elfrieda’s house for the holidays. It was nearly impossible to miss the flowers she carefully tended to make the entrance to her home warm and appealing.
To the last hours of her life, she remained a person of gratitude and grace. Over the years she was known for her cards reflecting her thanks and appreciation. This did not diminish as her health deteriorated and she was in the care of staff at Sedgwick Plaza and recently, Compassion Within Hospice. They loved her and counted it a privilege to serve her because of her positive smile, countenance and spirit that was contagious.
Such is a life well lived.
Memorial gifts may be sent to Wichita First Church of the Nazarene for World Missions, 1400 E Kellogg, Wichita KS 67211.
Editor’s Note: Our classmates have written about Miss Shellenberger for this website. Click on the underlined titles to read the stories.
- Barbara Hammond, “Interview with Elfrieda Shellenberger“
- Marilyn Bellert, “What a Waste!“
- Barbara Hammond, “The Divine Miss S“
