Nelrose Shive
Alton | Save
Nelrose Elizabeth Shive, 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Nelrose was born on January 6, 1930 to Dallas and Nelly Baker in Alton, IL. She married Richard Aaron Shive on August 26, 1954. He preceded her in death on May 24, 2018.
Nelrose graduated from Alton Senior High School in 1947, then graduated from Alton Business College. She worked as a secretary for Gately’s Department Store until 1955 when she became a stay-at-home mother. She did volunteer work for Clara Barton Mother’s Club, P.T.A., Girl Scouts of America, and as a Pink Lady at Alton Memorial Hospital. She also worked as an election Judge.
Nelrose and Richard enjoyed music, dancing, camping, playing card games, and wintering in Texas. They belonged to Good Sams, Eagles Club, VFW, SSP, and senior clubs in East Alton, Bethalto, and Wood River, where Nelrose was their secretary for many years. They traveled extensively in the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii. When her husband couldn’t drive, Nelrose pulled their camping trailer to Nova Scotia. They also visited Jamaica and Mexico. Nelrose was very artistic and hand-painted many ceramic pieces as well as creating lots of different crafts.
Nelrose was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed cooking for her family and throwing parties. She loved keeping her grandkids overnight and she enjoyed her great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded by her brothers and sister and their spouses, John and Gertie Baker, James and Eileen Baker, Bob and Naomi Phegley, and her son-in-law David Denson.
She is survived by her daughter Melodie Denson and her family, Aaron and Libby Denson, Jack and Christopher, J.D. and Laura Richardson, and Jimi, daughter Lisa and husband Darrell Best and their family Levi Best, Fren and Kris Neal, Reed and Katherine Best, and daughter Tammy Whitley and her family Grace Shive and Morgan Whitley.
A memorial service will be held in her honor on Sunday, July 26 at 3:00 P.M. at Bethalto Senior Center, 100 E. Central St., Bethalto, IL 62010. Nelrose’s son-in-law Darrell Best is officiating. Bring a story to tell if you feel inclined. Burial will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation, 144 W. Lockwood Ave., Suite 201, Webster Groves, Mo 63119, Autism Society of America, 6110 Executive Blvd, Suite 305, Rockville, MD 20852, or 5A of Alton, 4530 Alby St., Alton, IL 62002.
