AVA – Shelley Jean Peppers Smaida, 52, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, at her home in Ava, Illinois, surrounded by family and friends.

Shelley was born on October 23, 1971, in LaGrange, IL, the daughter of William R. and Sharon K. (Ralls) Peppers. She married Richard Smaida on August 4, 2016, in Marion, IL. Shelley was a Secretary for Peppers Trucking and a homemaker. She was a member of Kinkaid Christian Fellowship Church, Ava, IL, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Shelley loved her family and creating memories. She loved cooking, animals, and babies. Despite her handicap, she lived life to the fullest.

Shelley is survived by her husband, Richard Smaida of Ava, IL, her children: Rikki Smaida of Florissant, MO, Randy Smaida of Ava, IL; her parents, William R. and Sharon K. Peppers of Ava, IL, her siblings: Rocky (Mindy) Peppers of Mt. Vernon, IN, Brandi (Matthew) Smith of Cutler, IL; and several loving nieces and nephews.

Shelley was preceded in death by her Grandparents.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, IL, with Rev. Jason Harrison officiating. Burial to follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery, Ava, IL. Visitation will be from 11:00 - 12:00 pm, and then from 12:30 - 2:00 pm. Memorials may be given to Muscular Dystrophy Association or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and can mailed in c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.