Nora Grace (Cox) Shell

Nora “Grace” (Cox) Shell, 78, of Dexter, MO, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. She was born in Dudley, MO, December 26, 1945, to parents Thurman and Dorothy (Flippen) Cox.

Grace was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a Christian and a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Dexter, MO. As a young lady, she attended Cool Springs Church, Taskee, MO. Grace was a Greenville High School salutatorian, graduating in 1963. She married John Shell in 1985 and he survives. Grace worked as an insurance clerk at Pulmo Dose Medical Supply in Murray, KY, for many years. She loved working outside with flowers and landscaping. Grace always put others before herself. She loved spending time with her family, and she was very close with her grandchildren, as well as her best friend and companion, Rusty, her dog.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter-in-law: Sandy Taylor.

Grace is survived by her husband of forty years; children: Eric Taylor of Poplar Bluff, Lydia Tarr and husband Jeff of Greenwood, IN; stepchildren: Mark Shell and wife Liz of New Melle, MO, Ronnie Shell and wife Nelda of Lubbock, TX, Sherry Shell of Sikeston, MO; grandchildren: Logan Tarr and wife Morgan, Jordan Kelly, Graceson Walker and husband Gage, Griffan Tarr, Katelyn Tarr, Payton Tarr, Lauren Tarr, Mallory Parr and husband Blake, McKenzie Taylor; step grandchildren: Kyle, Sara, and Brian Shell, Megan Tennison and husband Michael II of New Deal, TX,;    great-grandchildren: Kingsley, Roman, Ryder, Ella, Layne, and Livvie; step great-grandchild: Madden, Mackenzie, and Michael Tennison III, Journey Shell; brothers: John Cox and wife Jeanette of Greenville; sisters: Sue Green of WA, Norma Jean Goff, Freda James, Ann McAllister all of Poplar Bluff; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Grace will be greatly missed.

Visitation was held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral service followed at 3:00 pm, also in the Greenville Chapel. Pastor Lonnie Mattiag ministered to the family. Lauren Tarr gave a heartfelt eulogy. Logan Tarr, Tim Hicks, Larry Payne, Ronnie Wills, Tim Taurone, and Jeff Tarr served as pallbearers. Burial was in Greenville City Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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