Obituary of Shelly Wilder

Shelly R. (Huffman) Wilder, 47, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at her home, surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on May 2, 1961 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Billy and Sharon (Wetzel) Huffman - Herrmann. On April 11, 1986 Shelly married Nathan Eric Wilder at a ceremony in Dowagiac, Michigan. She was a graduate of Niles High School class of 1979 and went on to obtain a Master's Degree in Early Elementary Education from Western Michigan University. Shelly was currently employed as a teacher for Niles Community Schools, teaching at Northside Elementary. Teaching was not just a job or career for Shelly, it was her passion. She spent most days thinking of ways to inspire young minds to learn, grow and develop. Shelly also enjoyed reading, listening and dancing to classic rock, quilting and swimming. For many years Shelly and her family would take camping trips where they often hunted mushrooms. A devoted mother, her kids were her pride and joy. During this past difficult year, Shelly's dog Trixie has been a great comfort and companion to her. She is survived by her husband Nate Wilder of Dowagiac, two sons Gabriel and Seth Wilder of Dowagiac, a daughter Leslie Wilder of Dowagiac, a step-son Matthew Wilder of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a sister Diana (Bart) Hatch of Niles, a brother Darren (Katie Bauer) Huffman of Niles, father and mother-in-law James and Katherine Wilder of Dowagiac, a brother in law Stacey (Tami) Wilder of Dowagiac, a sister-in-law Doreen (Kevin) Murphy of Cassopolis, nieces and nephews; Chelsey, Samuel and Rylea Hatch all of Niles, Alex and Austin Huffman of Niles, Sarah (Brandon) McCuddy of Dowagiac, Caleb, Nathan, Katie and Jacob Wilder of Dowagiac, Shelly and Andrew Murphy of Cassopolis and a great niece Hanah McCuddy of Dowagiac.