Juanita Marie Floren Shelby

Juanita Marie Floren Shelby, 90, of Little Rock died Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at her daughter's home after a brief illness. She was born November 15, 1920 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to the late S.E. and Anne May Floren. She was married to Ralph E. Shelby on February 17, 1950. They lived in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Flagstaff, Arizona and McNary, Arizona and in Little Rock since 1957. She was employed by Oklahoma Gas and Electric for about 10 years. After her marriage she devoted her life to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Nita was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church for over 50 years. She nurtured youth in her community as a leader in the PTA, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and was founder of Central High School's American Field Service chapter. She was host mom to numerous international students. After her family responsibilities waned she took up quilting. It became her passion for many years. She created beautiful quilts to give to friends and family. She made great friends in the quilting world through the county extension club and Quilters Guild. She enjoyed camping, traveling, reading, Razorback sports and watched St. Louis Cardinals games until her final days. Nita was predeceased by her parents, brother S.E. Floren and daughter, Caroline Sue Shelby. She is survived by her husband, Ralph E. Shelby of Little Rock; son, Dr. Gene Shelby and his wife, Farideh of Hot Springs; daughters, JoAnne Mills and her husband, John of Little Rock and Tina Shelby and her husband, Randy Cooper, also of Little Rock; grandchildren, Anne Marie Mills and Joshua Mills; sisters-in-law, June Floren, Frances Teufel, Gladys Henningson, Annette Moore, Nadine Schramm and Neta Byrd; as well as many nieces and nephews. She had a close community of friends at Andover Place where she enjoyed residence for the past 8 years. A visitation will be held Thursday, May 26th from 1-2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott Street, Little Rock, followed by the service. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501)224-2200. Nita's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.