Shelly Ruth Walter Moen, 54
On July 26, 2017, “heaven became a more fun place with the arrival of” Shelly Ruth Walter Moen. Shelly died unexpectedly of natural causes at her home in Eureka, with her beloved dogs by her side. Shelly, who was funny, smart and loved life will be missed by so many.
She was born May 24, 1963, at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. She graduated from Butte Public High School in 1981. In high school, she was a member of the marching band, drama club and capped her time as a Bulldog playing Aunt Eller in the school production of “Oklahoma.” Shelly attended Montana State University (Go Cats) and earned a degree in travel and tourism from Trend College in Spokane. There she met and married Bud Eveland from Rocker. Several years later they divorced but remained friends.
In 1994, she earned a degree in elementary education from Western Montana College in Dillon, and later a master’s degree in literacy.
After graduating from Dillon, Shelly moved to a “little town up North” — Eureka — to teach at the elementary school. She fell in love with the people and never left. She married Chris Moen in 1995 and they had Sarah Emily Moen in 1997, Shelly’s pride and joy. After divorcing in 2011, Shelly continued to teach “her kids” and cheer on (quite loudly) the Eureka Lions. Shelly served on several educational committees, sold tickets at the high school sporting events, and during the summers, waited tables at Four Corners Restaurant.
Shelly loved acting and singing and had major roles in all the productions put on by the Eureka Community Players. At the time of her death, she was happily preparing to play Sister Amnesia in “Nun-Sense.”
Shelly also loved — bears, anything Disney, good-looking men, ‘80s songs, good (and bad) jokes, babies, Butte’s Fourth of July parade, the “Twilight” series, “Minions,” performing the robot, chocolate and Groot.
To say, Shelly, a wonderful teacher, a super devoted mother, a caring, crazy and thoughtful friend to so many, will be missed by her family, friends and the Eureka community, is such an understatement. Shelly actually made this world a better place. Those who were blessed to have been touched by her grace and beautiful spirit should try to find joy in all of life’s little things — like Shelly did.
Shelly is survived by her daughter, Sarah; her father and mother, Fred and Gerry Walter; sister, Valerie (Tim) Trefts; and nieces, Carley and Tatum Trefts, of Butte; brother, Scott (Robin) Walter, of Colestrip; uncle and aunts, George and Loretta Day, and Char LeVasseur of Helena; and cousins, Tom (Shannon/James) Day of Bozeman and Mark (Nicki/Jonna) Day of Billings.
A memorial service and celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 2, at Chapel of Praise in Eureka.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter or a charity of your choice. Shelly was all about helping others.
Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.