Shelva Wolverton

For Shelva Wolverton, life was all about family. While creating forever memories with those she loved, Shelva lived and loved completely at every opportunity with those that meant the most to her. An amazing woman, she was the glue that held her family together and her strength of heart knew no bounds. Although she worried constantly about those she loved, Shelva was protective of her family, and in all ways stood by their side. Always looking out for the needs of others, she gave unconditionally with a caring heart. Gone but never to be forgotten, Shelva will be deeply missed.

Although conservative in nature, the decade of the 1950s sculpted the culture of America. Everything from music to movies, art and media to beloved comic strips and cartoons introduced households to a whole new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy boomed as the suburban dream was being realized. It was indeed a time of change as well as blessings, especially in the lives of Dee and Enola (Earl) Terry when on October 11, 1950, they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Shelvajean into their arms.

Shelva’s parents worked at the hospital in Plainwell, Michigan. They initially met each other there, and once married, they made the area their forever home. They welcomed the births of their first two children, Linda and Nelson and were overjoyed when Shelva, their youngest and last child completed their family. Shelva enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation. Kids played outdoors until the streetlights came on, and siblings fought over who was going to use the one bathroom in the house first! As a family they enjoyed day trips and family picnics, and special times during the holidays and other occasions.

While attending Plainwell Public Schools, Shelva met the young man who stole her heart, Darrell Myland. Having attended Plainwell High School through the 11th grade, Darrell was Shelva’s first love. They were happily married in 1968, and although their marriage came to an end in 1971, Shelva was always grateful for the son they shared from their union, John who came along in 1969.

Following her divorce, Shelva did her all to create a good home environment for John. She worked at Parker during this time in her life and did her very best to give her young son a stable and secure life. Leaving her schooling behind always played on Shelva’s heart. She later had the opportunity to attend night school with her sister, and much to Shelva’s joy, she was finally able to graduate from Otsego High School.

Love was not lost for Shelva. In her early thirties she met a handsome man by the name of Dan Wolverton. Made for one another, they shared many of the same interests, and they made for the best companions. Deeply in love, the two were together for 29 years before Shelva’s beloved Dan passed away in December of 2015.

Those 29 years were some of the best of Shelva’s life. She and Dan always enjoyed their dogs and cats, and Buster even became like their child together. When her son was younger, he and Shelva vacationed on Mackinaw Island, and several trips to Shipshewana and times spent in Allegan County were always enjoyed with Dan and their sons. Sometimes they would even take quick, last minute vacations to Holland, Michigan.

Shelva loved and cared for everyone and whether family or friend, her heart and home was always open. When grandchildren came along, they became Shelva’s delight. They brought her the greatest joy, and she loved them dearly. She played an integral role in raising them, and as a grandmother, Shelva was very involved, and she would not have wanted it any other way! They often spent the night at her house where they were sure to find some of their favorite toys and other goodies

Although Shelva was not a cook, her family was always full. Dan pitched in and did some cooking, but some of Shelva’s specialties included her turkey and noodle bake, goulash, or frozen dinners. Shelva possessed a good sense of humor, even when it came to her cooking! Dan truly loved Shelva. He took good care of her, and tried to calm her anxiety and fears when it came to her natural tendency to be a chronic worrier. This was especially true when it came to worrying about her family.

Along with her great sense of humor, Shelva loved country music and was quite a dancer. She enjoyed playing the lottery, always dreaming of the things she could do and give if only she could win. Family meant everything to Shelva, even from her earliest years. When her mother became ill, Shelva lovingly cared for her until she passed away. Losing Dan was one of the most difficult things she had to endure, yet through the love and support of family and friends, Shelva found comfort. Shelva gave everything she had for the benefit of those she loved and for these things and so much more, she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Shelvajean “Shelva” Wolverton, age 66, of Plainwell passed away June 17, 2017 at Bronson Hospital. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film Tuesday, June 20 from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral service will be held Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Shelva’s family includes her son, John Myland; stepson, Jason Wolverton; grandchildren: Daniel (Jessie Hale) Myland, Christopher (Molly VanDenBerg) Myland, Chelsea Myland, LeeAnna Myland, BreeAnna Myland, Brayden Myland; step-grandchildren: Kailee Hagenbauch, Stephen Hagenbauch, Justin Wolverton, Jessie Wolverton, Abby Smith, Brandon Smith, Gracie Wolverton and Emma Wolverton; her sister, Linda Dillon as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Daniel; and by her brother, Nelson Terry. Please visit Shelva’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, share a favorite memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to the Plainwell Assembly of God.