Obituary of Shelly Jo Aldridge
Shelly Jo Hess was born in Monroe on March 29, 1960. She was one of four children born from the union of George William Hess and Sally Ann (Steinbrecher) Hess. Shelly attended Monroe High School graduating with the class of 1978. She later would further her education at Monroe County Community College and Oakland University obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Computer Technology.
Shelly was a hard-working, self-starter. She supported herself for many years using her computer knowledge working for VSI, Visual Services Incorporated. She installed new and upgraded systems and equipment for Kmart and local banks, and also taught computer classes at Ford Monroe. Later she worked in insurance sales being employed by Combined Insurance in Monroe and Liberty National and State Farm in Alabama.
Shelly was a dedicated mother to her children, being passionate and faithful. She was devoted to her youngest son, Chance, never missing a game, school performance and being his biggest cheerleader. “Nonnie’s” blessing would be the reward of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Shelly was very involved with her church Good Shepherd Lutheran in Gardendale, Alabama where she enjoyed being a big part of their Vacation Bible School. Shelly spearheaded back-to-school backpack drives, trunk or treat, and first responder benefits. She enjoyed helping at the women’s shelter and was an extreme couponer. Her church family loved her dearly and cared for her while she sought medical treatment for cancer. As her disease progressed, Shelly would move back home in August of 2020 to be near her Michigan family.
Shelly Jo Aldridge, age 60, of Monroe passed away on Sunday; February 28, 2021 after a valiant battle under the care of ProMedica Monroe Hospice. Her passing was preceded by a son: Joshua "Drew" Maurer.
To cherish her memory, Shelly, leaves three children: B.J. Maurer and Mandi (Michael) Canupp both of Monroe, and Chance Aldridge of Vinemont, Alabama; her parents; George and Sally Hess of Monroe; a sister: Dawn Hess of North Carolina; two brothers: Robert Hess and Mark Hess (Laura Christen) both of Monroe; nine grandchildren: Jordan, McKenzie, Madison, and Morgan Maurer, Kaleb, Kaden, Layla, and Lexie Canupp, and Natalie Maurer; four great grandchildren: Paisley, John Baker, Klayton Drew, and Cassie Ann Lynn; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins including Carrie Williams and Regan Taormina whom served as caregivers and provided transportation to all of her Karmanos treatments; and a special friend: Nick Surma Jr.
Friends may gather from 3:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. She will lie-in-state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday; March 6, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 323 Scott Street. A Worship Service Celebrating Her Life will take place at 11:00am also at the church. Procession will follow to Roselawn. Guests unable to attend may view the service live via the Merkle Funeral Service FACEBOOK page.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the State of Michigan’s mandates, guests will be limited in number, face coverings will be required, and no food or beverages will be permitted inside the building.
In lieu of flowers, memorials, are suggested to the Shelly’s Kids Fund, created in her honor, to carry on the work that she started to serve families and children At Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2456 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, Alabama 35071.
As Shelly often said, “You don’t have to grieve sadly, remember the good times!”
