Shelby Lynn Strange Brandt, 23, of La Grande, died unexpectedly April 21. A memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday at Riverside Park. A second service is planned for 11 a.m. Sunday at the home of Harry Metaxas in Eel Rock, Calif. Arrangements are under the direction of Daniels Chapel of the Valley.
Shelby was born Feb. 7, 1984, in Eureka, Calif. She attended elementary school in Humboldt County and secondary school in Eastern Oregon. She graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a dual bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science in June 2006.
Shelby lived in La Grande with the love of her life, Troy Howell.
From an early age, Shelby was dynamic. Her humor was infectious and her sense of justice swift. A member of both 4-H and FFA, she showed animals at fairs in California and Oregon. Shelby loved to cook and feed people, which she learned from her mother, expanded on in 4-H and perfected in college hosting dinners for “her boys.” At EOU she was instrumental in the establishment of the Young Republicans organization.
Shelby won awards for her ceramics and had several pieces shown and sold in Kelly’s Gallery in Joseph. She also loved to paint and crochet. She had a passion for music and dance and enjoyed camping.
Shelby spent the summer of 2006 caring for her great-grandmother, Carol Metaxas. The loving care she provided kept her from being placed in a care home. Grandma Metaxas passed away in September 2006 with Shelby at her side.
Survivors include her mother and stepfather, Lori and David Brandt; brothers, Justin, Christopher and Travis Brandt; father and stepmother, Terry and Erin Strange; siblings, Muriel and Merrick Strange; grandparents, Denny and Joyce Brandt, Nanette Green and Sue and Jack Strange; aunts and uncles, Terrie Green, Melissa Strange, Rick Green, Dennis Strange and Tony Strange and their families. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Paul Green.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending April 28, 2007 Published: April 28, 2007