Shelda Wyvon Hodgson Beals, 95, passed away on July 22, 2026. She was born on February 26, 1931, in Lucerne, Missouri, to Rev. Robert and Chantel (Ethington) Hodgson. She spent much of her childhood and early adult life in Missouri and Iowa, where she developed a lifelong love for learning, service, and faith.

From an early age, Shelda faithfully served her church. She began singing in the church choir at just 14 years old, a ministry she continued for 45 years. At age 16, she began teaching Sunday School in Iowa, beginning a lifetime of Christian service that would touch countless lives.

While attending high school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Shelda worked as a grocery store cashier. She graduated from high school in 1949 before continuing her education at Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois. She later attended Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education.

On September 5, 1954, Shelda married the love of her life, Harold Beals, at Westside Church of the Nazarene in Bethany, Oklahoma. Together they built a loving home and were blessed with two children, Carol Lynette Beals and Kevin Reid Beals.

Following graduation, Shelda worked in the Sears Credit Department in Oklahoma City from 1954 to 1956. She then taught second grade in the Putnam City School System from 1956 to 1957. In 1957, she and Harold moved to Pueblo, Colorado, where she taught first and second grades in Pueblo County School District 60 until 1962.

After several years in the classroom, Shelda served as director of Belmont Day Nursery from 1965 to 1970. She then devoted six years to being a homemaker before returning to the workforce. From 1976 to 1978, she worked for Mutual Benefit Association in Pueblo, followed by employment at Scripture Supply Store from 1978 to 1982. Later, after returning to Oklahoma, she worked at Bethany Book Store in Bethany from 1993 until her retirement in 1995.

Throughout her life, Shelda's greatest passion was serving Christ through her church. At Belmont Nazarene Church in Pueblo, she faithfully served as Missions President for nearly 25 years and was a member of the Colorado Nazarene District Mission Council for 12 years. In recognition of her faithful leadership and service, she received the Distinguished Service Award from Belmont Nazarene Church in 1990.

In her later years Shelda loved the family at Southern Plaza Retirement Center. Her move there in 2016 gave her a lot of opportunities for friendship and service. She was the "Sunshine Lady" for many years, sending cards for birthdays, anniversaries and get well wishes. She loved thinking up what she called "brainy ideas" to share a little devotional or a word of encouragement to all of the residents.

Shelda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Beals, in 1991. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Robert and Chantel Hodgson; sisters, Jeanine Herbaugh and Arlys Edmonds; and brothers, Marlin Hodgson and Bob Hodgson.

She is survived by her children, Carol Braaten (John) and Kevin Beals (Pam); her cherished grandchildren, Leigha Day, Jana (Jonathan) Stewart, Krista Braaten, Jared (Claudia) Willard, Reid Beals and Corey Beals; great-grandchildren, Max Willard, Samatha Willard, Charlotte Stewart and Shephard Stewart; sister, Sherrill Holcomb; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shelda will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her heart for missions, her dedication as a teacher, and the love she poured into her family, church, and community. Her life was a beautiful testimony of Christian service, kindness, and devotion, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Special thanks to A Path of Care Hospice; each staff member there was such a blessing to us. We also want to express our gratitude to Trisha Bishop. For the past year and half, she showed such compassion and knowledge and her care was above and beyond.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Missions.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, July 27 at Mercer-Adams Chapel. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on this obituary page.