Molly Maxwell Shellabarger, 84, of Mexico, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.

Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 24, at Arnold Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Atkinson and Jason Smithee officiating. Burial will follow in Laddonia Cemetery.

Visitation is Thursday evening from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Molly was born on June 17, 1938, in Auxvasse, the daughter of Wilmon Cody and Elizabeth M. (Lee) Smithee. She graduated from Auxvasse High School in 1956. On June 30, 1956, in Auxvasse, she married Robert E. Maxwell. He passed away on October 31, 1999. She then married Wayne Shellabarger on October 12, 2003, in Mexico.

Molly lived a life full of hard work, service to causes she believed in and care for others. Her work was often behind-the-scenes, and she gave both her time and resources to anyone in need. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Laddonia, serving as the church treasurer for decades and working in the nursery and children's programs. She spread her love of Christ and her personal testimony often, living out Jesus' words in Matthew 28:18-20 .

After marrying Bob, Molly raised her three children while managing a farm household, raising hogs and carrying for her elderly in-laws. She also welcomed two of her younger brothers into her home.

After her children were grown, she began a professional career that spanned many diverse jobs, including: CNA at Pin Oaks Nursing Home, Staff at Mexico Country Club, Manager of MFA Garden Center, Fee Agent for the Mexico License Bureau, Real Estate Agent for Century 21.

Molly's true passion besides her family and faith, was serving others. Molly cared for many friends and family members as they faced health struggles and often claimed people who had little family in the area as her own serving, as a surrogate mother or grandmother.

She volunteered with numerous organizations, including: Audrain County Historical Society; Mexico Senior Center, Mexico Elks Club, Audrain County Democratic Central Committee; Audrain County Democrats; Mexico Schools Lunch Buddies. In addition to formal organizations, Molly just helped people. If she saw someone in need, she always reacted with: "how can I help?"

Survivors include: Husband, Wayne Shellabarger of Mexico; son, Joe (Sarah) of Mexico; son, Steve of Rush Hill; daughter Linda (Andy) Strode of Overland Park, Kansas; stepson, Karl (Jeanne) Shellabarger; 10 grandchildren: Maggie (Michael) Harrington, Evan (Caroline) Strode, Megan (Tyler) Huez, Shannen Maxwell, Madison White, Shana (Michael) Benedict, Jason Bowen, Nakia Bowen; Jacob (Dawn) Shellabarger, Kate (Adam) Haskell; 16 great grandchildren; 3 siblings, Betty (Donal) Knipp of Auxvasse; Ronnie (Phyllis) Smithee of Auxvasse; Kenny (Dawn) Smithee of Arkansas; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and other relations who all treasured her spirit.

Molly was preceded in death by: her parents, Wilmon and Elizabeth Smithee; four brothers: Wilmon Smithee, David Smithee, Clint Smithee and Dale Smithee.

Memorial donations may be made to the Laddonia Baptist Church. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.