Shelly June Delano

With heavy hearts, family and friends want to share the sad news of the untimely passing of Shelly Delano on Oct. 26, 2020.

She was born on Sept. 18, 1960, in Billings, Montana, to June and James Delano. She grew up, graduated from Billings West High School, and remained living and working in Billings throughout most of her adult life. Shelly traveled many backroads, side roads and dead ends until finding her main road to contentment and peace.

Shelly lived a spirited life. From her time as a softball player, her interest in sports led her to admire Rafael Nadal and follow his career on the pro circuit as well as to attend the Iron Horse Rodeo in Red Lodge. Each summer her wild enthusiasm for the burning sun and dust of the Great American Hill Climb left her radiantly happy. Her summer routine continued to the Reed Point Sheep Drive and the Billings Fair. Sharing those events with friends left her with fond memories.

A lifetime love for animals made her a natural to adopt a number of dogs and cats as well as to volunteer on a weekly basis at the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter cleaning, scooping and being a friend to many four-legged creatures. Additionally, she worked with the spay and neuter clinics in support of healthy pets. She cherished the times with her dogs on Norm's Island.

In spite of her tough exterior, Shelly had a tender, embracing soul. The multiple recipients of her birthday and Christmas cards, personalized gifts, postcards, and banana bread retain warm memories of her generosity. She was a pen pal to those who needed a friend; a chauffeur to those who needed a ride; a committed participant in the recovery community; an honest support to the underdog.

In death, Shelly rejoins her sister Susan, her dear Aunt Sina, her parents, and her longtime companion Ron. She is mourned by her cousins and her many loving friends.

A memorial service will be held on Nov. 20, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, as cremation has taken place. Shelly would love for any memorials to be directed to the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter.