MASON CITY — Shelley Kay Bruce, 63, of Mason City, died October 15, 2026, at UnityPoint Allen Hospital in Waterloo, leaving a family who cherished her generous heart, unmistakable laugh and straightforward way of speaking.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. NE, Mason City. Visitation will take place at the funeral home that day from 11:00 a.m. until the service. She will be laid to rest at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Swaledale at a later date.
Born June 16, 1963, in Mason City, Shelley was the daughter of Dexter Ewers and Shirley (Fish) Herndon. She attended Mason City High School and took her first job at Gretchen’s, an early chapter in a lifelong enjoyment of food and cooking.
Shelley spent many years working for IMI. Later, she cleaned for the Snyders, a women’s clinic and several homes in Clear Lake. Her attention to detail and determination to leave things spotless carried through both her work and her own home.
For Shelley, caring for people often meant making something with her hands. She created seasonal decorations, tackled building projects and took pride in the skills she associated with being a carpenter’s daughter. In the kitchen, stuffed peppers, broccoli and cheese soup, and blueberry dessert were among her favorites. She also passed along her chicken noodle recipe to her daughter-in-law, Nicole.
Her family describes a woman whose warmth came with candor. Shelley offered love freely and spoke up when she thought something was wrong. Her dear companion, Doug Meling, knew that spirited side well, earning Shelley the affectionate distinction of being his “first boss.”
Above all, she treasured being a mother and grandmother. Her laughter helped make a house feel like home, while walks with the dogs and bicycle rides brought her everyday enjoyment.
Shelley is survived by Doug Meling; her daughter, Jennifer Bruce; grandchildren Colton, Adyson and Brynlee; her mother, Shirley Herndon; sisters Mindy (Bruce) Crum, Julie Sankey and Lisa Brinson; daughter-in-law Nicole; her dog, Chase; and many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her son, Brandon Bruce; her father, Dexter; her maternal and paternal grandparents; and beloved pets.
Family and friends may share condolences and find service information through Shelley’s obituary at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels.
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