Shelly Lynn (Ward) Kalenius
October 19, 1958 – October 24, 2025
Shelly Lynn (Ward) Kalenius passed away at home in Olympia, WA, on October 24, 2025, with her husband Steve and daughters by her side. A woman of unwavering faith and extraordinary heart, she now rests peacefully with those who went before her.
Born on October 19, 1958 to Mervin and Dorothy (Davidson) Ward, Shelly was the second of five children who grew up on the Ward Farm on Yelm Highway. Childhood for Shelly was a tapestry of wide-open fields, wooded trails, and endless adventures with her siblings and cousins. From an early age, she carried a love for the land, work ethic, and a devotion to family that stayed with her all her life.
Shelly played flute and was a cheerleader at Yelm High School, where she graduated in 1976. During these years she met many people who would become life-long friends, sharing major life and family events, vacations, golf outings, and laughs. These were the kind of friends who became more like family, because that’s how Shelly loved people… fully and for life.
Soon after high school, she attended Mr. Lee’s Beauty School in Olympia alongside her mother, Dorothy. She continued studying her craft, working at Gene Juarez Salon in Seattle. She cut and styled hair professionally and for family and friends throughout her life.
Shelly married Greg Rich in 1979, and together they had two daughters, Sarah (1981) and Mallorie (1984). She poured herself into being a mom, making hand-sewn outfits, perfecting recipes, and creating the kind of home where her girls felt loved, secure, and encouraged. Shelly and Greg were married until 1991; the bond between the Rich and Ward families remains strong.
In the early 1990s, Shelly started working as a Clerk Typist 2 for the Washington State Department of Licensing. Her work ethic and problem-solving skills quickly stood out, and she rose to become an IT manager with expertise in computer networking. She worked at DOL for nearly 15 years.
Shelly met her match when she was introduced to Steve Kalenius in 1996. They married in 1999, and together, they built a life full of laughter, adventure, and love. They shared a growing family, a home filled with warmth, and a deep partnership rooted in faith and humor. Whether they were enjoying nature while hunting, golfing, cooking for a crowd, or boating on Long Lake, Shelly and Steve made every occasion memorable. They put so much love and care into everything they did, including their home, cooking, and family events. They had a gift for turning simple moments into cherished memories. A few years ago, they moved off the lake and into a home on more acreage that they shared with deer and other wild animals. When the Northwest weather got too cold and gray, they loved spending time at their second home in Arizona.
Shelly left her career with the Department of Licensing after feeling called to volunteer with Patricia King Ministries (PKM), a national non-denominational Christian ministry. She was quickly offered a full-time position as administrative support, IT manager, and operator of their Web Church. Her deep faith, devotion to God and church, strong work ethic, and professional experience made her a perfect fit. She poured her heart into her work family for nearly 20 years until her retirement in early 2024.
Shelly loved life and filled it with things that brought her joy. She played volleyball for many years, sang on church worship teams and in the local vocal group Chanteuse, and even performed in the Department of Licensing’s rock band. She was funny and quick-witted, always ready to tease her grandsons while beating them soundly at Mario Kart. She was also determined, loyal, and endlessly generous. People knew her as someone who worked hard, gave freely, and loved big.
Shelly’s life was also one of service. She became involved in multiple aspects of ministry, volunteered with hospice, crocheted hats and scarves for patients. She shared her knowledge generously with anyone seeking guidance on food, health, or life. She faced each challenge in her cancer journey with tenacity, humor, and grace, leaning on her family, faith, and community to walk each step together.
Shelly is survived by her husband Steve, daughters: Sarah (Jeff) Howe and Mallorie (Jude) Torres, brothers: Wes Ward and Matt (Tara) Ward, sisters: Wendy Sullivan (Larry Jones) and Angie Ward (Mark Medalen), grandsons: Ashton and Ethan Howe, granddaughter: Olivia Torres, stepmom: Kathy (Dick) Fankhauser, stepmom: Char Ward, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Mervin and Dorothy.
The family suggests, instead of flowers, donations can be made in Shelly’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.