Shelda Jean Warner, age 86 of Franklin, WV, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Pendleton Manor in Franklin WV.  Ms. Warner was born on July 28, 1936, at Zigler, now Smith Creek, WV, the third and youngest child of the late Virgil Edward and Beulah Elizabeth (Hartman) Warner.

Shelda grew up on the family farm in Smith Creek and in the early years of her life, tragedy struck when her mother passed away when she was barely 3 years old.  She persevered during that time and in the years that followed she and her older brother and sister were joined by three additional siblings from her father's second marriage to Evelyn Mae Vandevander.  Shelda and her family worked long hours to make the farm  successful.  During those years she attended Franklin Elementary and High School, graduating in 1954.  Early on she discovered a talent and fondness for music.  In high school, she played in both the marching and concert bands.  Her interest in music carried over into her life after finishing school, manifesting itself primarily in her participation in the musical activities of the Smith Creek Church of the Brethren, where she was a life-long member.  In addition to being a member of the choir, she also served the church for several years as a Bible School Teacher and member of the Ladies Aid Society.

After graduation, she worked at various temporary jobs in the Franklin area before moving to Baltimore, where Shelda found a job with the Social Security Administration.  She worked there for 18 years, earning several promotions along the way.  Rather than continuing on that successful career path, she decided to return to Pendleton County, where her heart was, to take up farming.  Following this move, Shelda not only worked hard on the farm, she also took an outside job to help support the household. She initially had a job with the Hanover Shoe Company for a few years until it ceased operations.   Then she joined the Franklin Group Home where she worked for a dozen years before retiring.  Upon retirement, she bought a place on Smith Creek, which was absolutely her favorite place ever.  She lived there for several years before she became physically unable to look after herself.  She spent her final years in the care of the Pendleton Manor.

Shelda was well known for her love of animals, primarily cats and dogs, but farm animals as well.  Nobody will know how many animals she rescued and cared for over her lifetime.  She has been quoted as saying, "I never met a cat or dog that I didn't like".  Shelda had a good mind, sharp sense of humor, talent for music, and an adherence to guiding principles which she had developed while growing up on Smith Creek.

Leaving behind to cherish her memories are 2 brothers, Billy Warner, Harry and wife Marcia Warner; a sister, Rachel and husband William Ruddle.  She was preceded in death by an older sister, Doris and husband Milford Bennett; younger brother, Wilson and wife, Rebecca Warner, a sister-in-law, Lieselotte (Theis) Warner, the wife of her older brother, Billy.

Shelda's family will receive friends on Saturday, April 15, 2023, 1- 2 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home, Franklin, WV.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor David Morris officiating.  Interment will be in the Cedar Hill Cemetery, Franklin, WV.  Memorials may be made to P.A.W.S., POB 804 Franklin, WV 26807 .  Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com