Shelby Jean Adams

Shelby Jean (Mullerleile) Adams (82) of Janesville passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on August 21, 2020 at Whispering Creek.

Shelby was born April 26, 1938 to Walter and Agnes (Rinehart) Mullerleile, in LeRay Twp, Blue Earth County. Shelby attended country school through 8th grade, and then attended Janesville High School, from where she graduated in 1956. She was united in marriage to Robert W. Schmidt in 1958 and together they had 5 children. They later divorced. In 1976, Shelby met a local farmer, David (Dave) Adams, who stole her heart. They wed on July 28, 1978 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Janesville. They built their life together on David’s farm just outside of town. Shelby was a devoted mother and housewife, dedicating her life to raising her children. David and Shelby retired to Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin, where they were active in their church, enjoyed gardening, spending time with friends and watching the wildlife. They had a home in Florida and enjoyed spending their winters there.

Shelby was an exquisite sewer, making beautiful dresses for her daughter and later her granddaughters and even their barbie dolls. She was an avid baker; her hands crafted endless loaves of homemade bread, birthday cakes and Christmas cookies. Shelby had a beautiful voice and loved to sign along with classic country songs. In her later years, Shelby developed dementia and as things progressed Dave and Shelby moved back home to Janesville to be with family. Although over the years her memories slowly began to fade, Shelby never lost her spirit or her faith. She was always smiling and she was known for showering those around her with love and kindness.

Shelby is survived by her husband of 42 years, David of Janesville; children Christopher (Betty) Schmidt of St. Clair, Connie Brady (Mike David) of Madison Lake and Mike (Beth) Schmidt of Great Falls, MT; grandchildren Janel Schmidt (Mike Muntean), Kevin Schmidt (Rhoda Klein), Brent Brady, Marissa (Mike) Ewert, Kristin (Travis) Gunsolus, Brandon (Renee) Brady, Blaine Schmidt and Madeline Schmidt; great-grandchildren Gabe, Colton and Hayley Muntean (Janel Schmidt), Kobe Parker (Marissa Ewert), and Colin and Lucas Gunsolus (Kristin Gunsolus); brother Bruce Mullerleile of Waterville; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents; sons, Robert A. Schmidt and Mark Schmidt; five brothers; and three brothers-in-law.

Honorary Pallbearers are Shelby’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 12:00 PM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Janesville with Fr. Brian Mulligan officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church.