Cindy Marie Rose Shelden

Cindy Marie Rose Shelden was born February 16, 1958, in St Louis, Missouri and peacefully departed her earthly body on August 8, 2025, at her home in Newburg, Missouri, with her faithful dog Hades by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Rose and Monte K. Rose-Schmieder, her sister-in-law Anne Shelden Lotzer, and her beloved husband of 32 years, John Shelden. Cindy leaves behind 6 children, 18 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, her dear sister-in-law Sandy (Wayne) Maxwell, many bonus kids & grandkids, and a host of friends.

Cindy first became a mother in 1979 and helped to raise six children: Desiree Statler (Todd Stites) of Liberty, MO; Justin Shelden (Tangela Jennings), of Nashville, TN; Josh Thompson (Kristen) of Newburg, MO; Niki Moen (Richard), of St James, MO; Ben (Stephanie) Baker, of St James, MO; and Elizabeth (Joey) Benvingati of St James, MO. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she loved them all deeply; Athena & Olivia; Jeremiah & Jarrod; Austin, Trevor, & Madelynn; Allyson, Hillary, Cooper, & Sophia; Hailey, Jillian, Abbigail, & Gwendolyn; Asher, Audrey, Dax, & Micheal; and her great-granddaughter Blakely.

Cindy grew up in Brentwood, Missouri, and always remained a St Louis girl at heart. She was a fan of Blues hockey & Cardinals baseball, but being a true St Louisan always hated the Rams, instead being a diehard fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cindy spent her early working years waiting tables, where she met two of her best friends, Annie and Liz, as well as the love of her life, John Shelden. After a few years, she began to make a home for herself in local retail, first giving 20 years of service to Walmart, then 10 more years at JC Penney, both in Rolla. She made many wonderful, lifelong friends, many of whom were like family. Cindy was one of the old school of salespeople, who believed the customer was always right (even when they weren’t), and gave personal attention to each one. Many in the community came to know her for her ability to put you in exactly the right pair (or 5) of shoes. She always loved her shoes.

Cindy had a flair for fashion and accessories, with the kind of big personality that commanded a room. She was an intelligent, proud woman who was known for her sharp wit and intellect. She fought cancer the way she lived: fiercely, with grit and determination, battling right to the end. She left an impression on all who knew her, whether casually or deeply, and she will be truly impossible to forget.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Rolla Lion’s Den on Saturday September 27, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with 3:00 pm-4:00 pm reserved for family. All who knew and loved Cindy are encouraged to attend.