Shelly Diane Whited

Shelly Diane Whited, age 91, of Brainerd, passed away on March 28, 2024, at her home at Woodland Assisted Living. Shelly was born on March 22, 1933, in Brainerd to Vernon & Bernice (Hammond) Budlong. She married Richard Whited on June 26, 1954, at First Baptist Church. They raised two children, Nathan and Margaret.

Shelly was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church. She also taught music and gave piano lessons to countless kids. She was also a teacher for many years, teaching in Minnesota, North Dakota, and finally at Lake Region Christian School in Baxter. She was famous for her fudge!

Shelly loved books and was a life-long learner. She was always reading and enjoyed giving books to others.

The most important decision Shelly made, that influenced her entire life, was that as a child, at an old-fashioned tent meeting in downtown Brainerd, she trusted Jesus to be her Savior, meaning that because she trusted that His payment for our sin by suffering and dying on the cross in our place, and rising again as proof that a holy God had accepted that transaction, she is in Heaven with Him today. (Romans 6:23) It was her greatest desire and burden that each of her family and friends receive that same gift of salvation in Jesus and be reunited with her one day. In her own words, “in that wonderful place where no more tears will flow.”

Shelly’s family thanks the very caring staff of Good Samaritan - Bethany and Woodland and Knute Nelson Hospice.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Nathan (Shelly) Whited and Margaret (Chuck) Oaks; grandchildren, Ben (Stacy) Newton, Daniel (Chloe) Newton, Tia Whited and Will Whited; great- grandchildren, Thea Newton, Saylor Newton, Hazel Newton, Aiden Newton and Boden Newton.

Shelly is preceded in death by her parents, Beloved husband, Dick; brother, Paul Budlong.

A memorial service for Shelly will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 3PM at first Baptist Church. Visitation one hour prior to the service.

Memorials to First Baptist Church,,

7398 Fairview Road.

Baxter, MN 56425