Shelly Wray Bethke

Shelly Wray Ellefson Bethke, age 47, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22nd, 2008, at the Meritcare Palliative Care Unit, Fargo, ND after a courageous four month battle with cancer. Shelly was lovingly surrounded by her family.Shelly was born July 25th, 1961, at Bethesda Hospital, Crookston, MN, one of five children born to Clyde and Darlene Sabo Ellefson. Shelly was baptized in the Lutheran faith at Faith Lutheran Church, Goodridge, MN, by Pastor Leland Steen and confirmed by Pastor David Putz at Bethany Lutheran Church, Red Lake Falls, MN.Shelly grew up in Red Lake Falls, MN, graduating from Lafayette High School, where she excelled in numerous school activities. Shelly attended Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, MN earning a degree as an Ophthalmic Assistant.Shelly was united in marriage to Steven F. Bethke in Lihue Hawaii on December 31st, 1986 and have made their home in Fargo since 1987. Shelly and Steven were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Jenna Wray, a freshman at Creighton University, Omaha, NE, and Jillian Leigh, a junior at Fargo South High School.Shelly worked as an Ophthalmic Assistant at both Eyecare Associates and Dakota Clinic Fargo, ND prior to beginning her true calling, that being a "stay home mother" for her husband and two children.The nearly 10 years Shelly spent "home" were the happiest times of her life. She was blessed with the gift of being able to nurture. Under her guidance, Jenna and Jillian have developed many passions in life, from academics, music and athletics. Her proudest accomplishment is to have seen her children grow into kind, compassionate, motivated young adults.For the past eight years Shelly has worked at Fargo North High School, growing ever larger, the circle of friends that care deeply for this remarkable woman. Her ability to put other people's needs before her own has endeared her to many. She will truly be missed.Shelly is survived by her husband, Steven; daughters, Jenna Wray and Jillian Leigh; mother, Darlene Ellefson, Moorhead; sisters, Rhonda Ellefson, Fargo, and Valerie Ellefson, Moorhead; brothers, Ryan Christine Ellefson, Red Lake Falls, MN, and Randy Kara Ellefson, Hawley MN; parents-in-law Ronald and Gardie Bethke, Lakeland, FL; and sisters-in-law Pamela Bethke Matt Trusskey, Houston TX, Monica David Abrams, Eagan, MN, Janice Bethke, Blaine, MN, Tricia Stan Christoph, Charleston, SC; and many nieces and nephews.Shelly was preceded in death by her father Clyde, all grandparents, great aunt, Gladys Kjos, and niece, Erin Ellefson.In lieu of flowers, memorial preferred to Roger Maris Cancer Center, Fargo, ND.