Shelley Louise Wright

Shelley Louise Wright, a beacon of laughter and kindness whose presence lit up Newark, Ohio like a well-tended garden, passed away at the age of 71 on January 18, 2026. Shelley was born on August 12, 1954, in the same town she would spread her joy, Newark, Ohio. She was the kind of person who could find humor in the mundane and had the rare ability to turn a trip to Rural King for popcorn into an adventure worthy of a stand-up routine.

Her early years were spent at Newark High School, where she graduated in 1972, no doubt leaving a trail of giggles and fond memories in her wake. Shelley's work history was as varied and colorful as her plants. She clocked in at Newark Novelty, added some sparkle at Beachfront Tanning, and ensured the locals were well supplied at Wickhams Carry Out. Her journey through the working world continued at Heritage Sportswear and concluded with a well-deserved retirement from Newark Kroger, where her sense of humor was as essential as the daily specials.

Shelley's love for life didn't stop at the store's exit. She was the kind of person who found solace in the simple pleasures of yard work and caring for her plants. Her front lawn was more of a comedy club for the neighborhood, as she would often share a joke or a funny story with passersby while tending to her beloved greenery. 

Describing Shelley as friendly, funny, and kind is like saying the Grand Canyon is just a hole in the ground – it's an understatement of epic proportions. Her humor was the glue that held her community together, never missing a beat to brighten someone's day or to poke fun at the absurdities of life.

Family was the heart of Shelley's world, and she was the undisputed matriarch of fun. She is survived by her sons, Gabriel (Deanna) Burgoon and Jeremy Burgoon, who inherited her wit and warmth. Her sister, Shelia (Ray) Schaefer, and niece, Kris Schaefer, will no doubt continue her legacy of laughter. Shelley was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren—Bradley, Miracle, Andrew, Harrison, Kynsley, and Brynlee—who will grow up with stories of their hilarious grandma and her legendary trips to Rural King.

Shelley was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Louise (Gnatt) Petry. But just like a classic sitcom, her reruns will continue to play in the hearts and minds of those she left behind, bringing smiles and chuckles to generations to come.

To have known Shelley was to have known a life filled with laughter and love. She never needed a microphone or a spotlight; her spirit was bright enough. As she takes her final bow on the stage of life, let's give her a standing ovation for a performance well done. Shelley Louise Wright, Newark's very own comedienne, we salute you and your extraordinary ability to make the world a lighter, brighter, and infinitely funnier place. Curtain call, Shelley, and rest in peace knowing you've left this world a little happier than you found it.