Delma Jolley Shreeve passed away on October 8, 2019 at her home in Mesa, AZ comforted by her loving son Daniel Shreeve and his wife Susan. She had finished a busy day being visited by her family and friends. Delma was born on August 10, 1922 in St. Johns, Arizona the first child of Lionel and Edith Jolley.
She married the love of her life, Nello C. Shreeve on November 26, 1938 and they enjoyed a long and loving marriage until Nello’s passing on February 8, 1995. The first 45 years of their life together was spent in St. Johns and Holbrook, Arizona where they were involved in a number of different businesses that they owned and successfully operated, including: Service Electric, The Spudnut Shop, Fay’s Smart Shop, the Tonto Motel and other ventures. During the World War II years Delma moved around the country to try and be close to Nello who was in the US Navy. In 1969 they moved to Mesa, AZ but continued to operate the Motel and maintained a home in Holbrook until 1984.
Delma was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings over the years. One of her favorite callings was a two- year mission at the Mesa Genealogy Library. She enjoyed square dancing, playing cards and spoiling all of her many grandchildren. She has been an inspiration to her family and was loved by all. She will be greatly missed.
Delma is survived by her sons Clinton (Candy) of Gilbert, Curtis (Shawna) of Queen Creek, and Daniel (Susan) of Mesa, 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren with another on the way and 3 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Nello, two daughters Nina Fay Olsen and Shirlene Shreeve, her siblings Orvil Jolley, Frank Jolley and Myrna Ashcraft, one granddaughter Nicole Lucyann “Nikki” and two great-granddaughters Cora Fay Shreeve and Violet Olsen.
Services were held in Mesa on October 15, 2019 and she was laid to rest at the Mesa Cemetery.
My grandmother was a very special person I loved her very very much I always will and I will always miss her I have a lot of fond memories of my grandmother and my grandfather I will forever hold a special place my Heart
I will always remember her and her influence on my childhood. Shirlene was a good friend and Delma called me when she died and we had a good conversation. She lived a long and fruitful life and helped many others.
What a special lady! She was an amazing matriarch, and I’m told was the mover behind family reunions every single year. But now she will get to reunite with her sweetheart and others who have passed on who have been waiting for her. We love her and the whole Shreeve Family. Our hearts are with each and every one of you as you celebrate her wonderful life.
Love from all the Pickles ♥
Delma and Nello were wonderful folks, and I know they are happily together now. My sincere condolences to the family, I know Delma will be missed by all of you. Grateful to know she is surrounded by her heavenly family.
I became acquainted with Delma through my mom (her cousin) Lula. After mom broke her hip Delma visited and called her regularly to see how she was doing. She was so thoughtful and kind. She would tell mom all about what her family was up to and they would compare what they were going to have for Sunday dinner. Her cheerful phone calls would make my mom’s day and mom would recount their visit for the whole afternoon. Whenever she was in the area should would make an effort to come by the house and see us. Delma never forgot to send a birthday card every year and would include a sprig of orange blossoms so mom could enjoy the beautiful scent. Since mom’s dementia has steadily gotten worse I became the lucky one, lately, that got to visit on the phone. I always appreciated her upbeat and positive attitude. Such a choice lady! Mom and I will miss those calls. We love Delma dearly. My heartfelt condolences to all the family. I wish we could be there for the service but circumstances don’t permit at this time. Please know that we are thinking of your family and praying for your peace and comfort.