Shelby Kraft, age 30, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 25, 2022. Shelby was born on New Year’s Eve 1991 and was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis. Early in childhood, Shelby was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a neurologic condition which caused her significant disability. Even still, Shelby lived a big and joyful life. She cherished spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, doing arts and crafts, eating her favorite foods, regularly visiting the Indianapolis Zoo where she was an annual member, and worshiping at Fountaintown Christian Church. Shelby attended school and graduated from RISE Learning Center in 2014. She loved to laugh and taught us many lessons about peace, contentment, bravery, patience, and grace.
Shelby was welcomed at the gates of Heaven by Jesus and her grandmothers, Windy and Betty, and grandfather, Dick. We rejoice that she is now walking, talking, running, and playing in a way that she was never able to on Earth. She is survived by her mother, Debbie; father, Richard; sister, Kasey (Ryan); nephew, Fox; friend and aide, Carrie; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Shelby’s family wishes to thank the staff of IU Health who helped to provide excellent, dignified care to her over the course of her life.
In 2020, the Shelby Foundation for Kindness Delivered was formed. This mobile ministry inspired by Shelby seeks to deliver and foster acts of kindness. Though Shelby was quiet, her presence would light up any room she entered, and she spread love and happiness to friends and strangers alike. Since its creation, Kindness Delivered has touched thousands of lives. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to www.kindnessdelivered.org to further Shelby’s legacy of love. A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 12-3pm at Fountaintown Christian Church with a funeral service immediately following. A larger celebration of Shelby’s life is planned for summer 2022.
