Shirley Louise Tondee

Shirley Louise Tondee, 90 years young, passed away peacefully among family on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Shirley was born in Elko, Georgia, and grew up in the nearby town of Ellaville. Upon graduation from Schley County High School she completed her education in Americus at Georgia Southwestern College, now known as Georgia Southwestern State University.

Shirley's career took her from dictaphone operator in an insurance office in Atlanta in the early 1950s, sales support for what is now known as West Point Home, and administration for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Atlanta, now known as Cascade Midtown, where she served in many capacities over the years, including administration, as a member of the choir, and in staff/parish relations. She especially cherished her friendships of many years with members of the Wesley Companions Sunday School class.

Shirley's love of service to others, travel, and staying active all her life led her, along with family and friends, to her church bowling league, group exercise classes, charity walk/runs, Europe, the British Isles, South America, and from coast to coast across the United States.

Her love of home cooking made her dishes a welcome presence at family gatherings, where her deviled eggs and chocolate desserts held special places on the buffet table. She was a fan of Georgia Tech sports her entire adult life, and she never missed a broadcast of the WNBA Indiana Fever.

At her request, she will be interred in private at Hopewell Methodist Church Cemetery in Ellaville, Georgia.

Shirley was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Wilson and Beulah Tondee.

She is survived by her sister, Peggy Smith, nephews Billy (Karen) Smith, Tony (Maggie) Smith, niece Lee Ann (Jack) Leonard, grand-nephews Alex (Britteny) Smith, Austin Smith, Ben (Lily) Leonard, Sam Leonard, Wilson (Josie) Smith, Nathan Smith, grand-niece Leslie Leonard, and great grand-nephew Nash Leonard.

Shirley valued meeting human needs in local communities. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to a local charity of your choice.

Way-Watson Funeral Home of Ellaville is in charge of these arrangements.