Shelly Kay Rau

Shelly Kay (Thering) Rau, passed away unexpectedly on June 15th, 2024 at her home in Holly, MI at the age of 59. Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, (1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton) on Tuesday, June 17th from 4-8 PM with a Rosary and eulogies starting at 5 PM. An instate will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church (309 E. Maple St., Holly, MI) on Wednesday, June 19th at 10 AM. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM, with Fr. David Blazek presiding. 

Shelly will be laid to rest at Lakeside Cemetery in Holly, MI. Those desiring may make contributions either to the intentions of the family or to the National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association. 

Shelly was born on July 31st, 1964 in Mt Pleasant, MI, to John A. "Jack" and Connie E. (Hall) Thering.

Shelly was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant Senior High School. She attended Michigan State University and Central Michigan University. On September 20th, 1985 she married her high school sweetheart, Russ Rau, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Shelly moved with her husband to Holly, Michigan where they raised their three children. 

Shelly dedicated 11 years of service to St. Rita Catholic Church in Holly as Director of Religious Education, Faith Formation, and Youth Ministry, where she made a tremendous impact. She continued her devotion to the church through her service as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and cantor. 

Shelly was an entrepreneur who owned and operated Holly Myomassology. She was currently employed by Healing Hands Chiropractic in Swartz Creek as the office manager. She loved traveling, whether it was a tropical cruise or a day trip to Ludington or Shipshewana. She was a regular at Mike's Coney Island, where she enjoyed comradery and formed lasting friendships.

While her service to the church held a very important place in her heart, her family meant the most to her. She spent her days supporting her children in every step of their lives and doting on her grandchildren.

Shelly leaves behind her Spouse of 38 years, Russ; her sons Jacob (Helen Ranck-Rau) and Noah (Casey Bazarewski-Rau); daughter Alanah (Chase Platte Rau); her mother Connie Hall-Thering; siblings Suzanne Thering (Gerry Sutterfield) and Rick Thering (Jami Buckley); Grandchildren Katie, Dominic, Emma, and Josephine.

She was preceded in death by her father, John A. "Jack" Thering, her brother, Brian Thering, her mother and father-in-law, Gilbert and Eleanor Rau, and her brother-in-law Paul Rau.

Like or Follow the St. Rita Parish of Holly, Michigan Facebook page to get access to the Facebook Live Stream of the funeral. Tributes can be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.