Shelly A. Botka

Shelly A. Botka, 33, of Mishawaka, passed away surrounded by her family early Friday morning, July 26, 2013, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.

Shelly was born February 12, 1980 in Mishawaka, a daughter of Kenneth and Barbara (Heiser) Botka. She graduated from Penn-Harris-Madison Schools.

For the past year and a half Shelly loved sharing her home with her three roommates through Partners in Opportunities. She enjoyed her friends in the Day Program at Anthony Wayne Services. Shelly participated in Special Olympics and volunteered at the Humane Society. She was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church in Mishawaka.

Shelly dearly loved the character Elmo. She enjoyed reading and computers. Shelly loved family gatherings as well as one-on-one activities with family members. She loved eating out in restaurants. She was proud to be Godmother to her niece. Shelly touched many lives and could make others laugh. She had a way of leaving a positive impression with those she would meet. She will be missed by the many family and friends who loved her.

Shelly’s surviving family includes her parents, Ken and Barb Botka; her sisters, Jennifer Botka and Sarah (Efrain) Salazar; her niece, Hannah Long; her fiancé, Michael Baxter; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Shelly was preceded in death by her grandparents, Louis and Betty Botka and William and Helen Heiser.

Friends may spend time with Shelly’s family Monday, July 29, from 3:00 - 7:30 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Services honoring Shelly’s life will be held Tuesday, July 30, at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. Barry England officiating. Cremation will follow.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or Humane Society of St. Joseph County. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.