Linna (Messersmith) Shelley was born on Nov. 1, 1894, at Farnam to Marion and Mamie (Nickerson) Messersmith. She attended the "Bailey" school for the full eight years, and she then continued her education by taking extra courses at the same school.

After her mother's death in 1910, she helped with the rearing of her younger brothers. On July 1, 1913, she became the wife of George Henry Shelley in a marriage that took place in Stockville, Nebraska. The young couple began their lifework of farming and the rearing of a family in the vicinity of Stockville, Orafino and Farnam.

At the time of her death, they still resided on the farm south of Stockville on which her husband had been born. Linna lived a long and rewarding life, a living example of the very words: wife, helpmate, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. Blessed with good health and boundless energy, she was a resourceful and talented wife and mother, meeting and going beyond the needs and wishes of her family. Linna served for many years as the superintendent of the Sunday School at the Congregational Church in Stockville and as a Sunday School teacher. Her strong, clear alto singing voice was called upon for all sorts of community activities, she sang in the church choir, at funerals and at entertainment functions. Linna sang every day in the sheer joy of living. Music was a big part of her life and she gladly performed as pianist for church or school functions, even country dances.

She leaves behind her husband George of nearly 69 years, four daughters; Gwendolyn, Beryl, Dorothy and Jeanne; one son, John; one brother, Lloyd Messersmith; 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, to all of whom she was their beloved "Ole Mom". Linna was preceded in death by one daughter, Maxine, one sister, Lola and three brothers, Leo, Alton and Jake.

Linna Messersmith Shelley loved this land upon which she was born and lived her life. She also loved springtime, the season of rebirth. For her especially, it is fitting that rest should come when new life is bursting out upon the land she loved. For her and for us, Spring is a reminder of the eternal cycle that is life, and we with the greening of the landscape that the land will endure. To us she gave life and she leaves fond memories. Now to the land she returns, "In my end is my beginning".

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, April 19, 1982 at the Congregational Church in Stockville, with Rev. Leroy Cook officiating. Interment was in the Stockville Arbor Cemetery.

Source The Free Press, 28 Apr 1982.