Shelli Rae Graves Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Shelli Rae Graves- Born September 21, 1967 in Central City, NE; departed this earth March 27, 2016 at Bryan Hospital in Lincoln, NE. Services will be Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Zion Church: PCA in Lincoln, NE with Internment at Bureau Cemetery (near Pierce Chapel) North of Central City, NE. Visitation will be at Central City United Methodist Church on Tuesday, March 29th from 6-8 PM and immediately preceding services Wednesday. Rev. Stu Kerns will be officiating the services. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Shelli was the daughter of Jim and Kathy (Gregg) Graves of Central City. Shelli grew up in Central City and was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 3. Despite the challenges of arthritis, Shelli graduated from Central City High School in 1986, and Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE with a degree in Psychology in 1990. Upon graduation she began working in foster care as a foster care specialist in Lincoln and spent her entire career helping and serving disadvantaged children. Her service also encompassed her personal time, being active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Foster Care Closet, Royal Family Life Kids Camp, ICAN camps. Arthritis Foundation and personal involvement with several special foster children. She loved to travel and Husker sports, and was determined to not let arthritis slow her down. Shelli had a special love for the Nebraska Volleyball and Women’s basketball teams and received the 2006 Fellowship of Christian Athletes Influence Award. Shelli was a member of Central City United Methodist Church and later Zion Church: PCA in Lincoln. She had a strong relationship with Christ, was a devout disciple of his teachings and eager to share his love with others. Survivors are her maternal grandmother Arnetta Reeder of Central City; father and mother, Jim and Kathy Graves of Central City; Sister LeAnn (Darren) Siekman of Bennington and their children Grant Siekman and Allison (Ethann) Barnes of Lincoln; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Shelli was blessed with many close friendships, including Brenda Helvey and Goddaughter Beverly Frattalone of Lincoln. Memorials may be given to the family, Christian Heritage Youth Services, or Zion Church: PCA

Shelli Rae Graves

September 21, 1967 - March 27, 2016