Shelly Rene Sweeten

It’s the bottom of the ninth, and our MVP, Shelly Rene Sweeten, has rounded the bases and slid safely into home. 

Born on August 6, 1967, to Herman Sweeten Jr. and Deanna Raya, with the loving support of her stepfather Ray Raya, Shelly played every inning of her life with heart, hustle, and an unwavering commitment to her team—her family, friends, and the many children she nurtured along the way. 

She was an adored granddaughter, drafted into a legacy of love and resilience by C. Herman & Winnie Sweeten, Elmer & Kathy Tagge, Verniel Tagge, and Michael & Bernice Raya. From the very start, she was surrounded by a championship team of grandparents who shaped her into the compassionate, dedicated, and spirited woman she became. Their influence was evident in her unwavering kindness, her ability to nurture others, and her deep appreciation for family traditions. 

Just as they cheered for her in life, we know they were waiting at home plate, arms open, ready to welcome their girl as she completed her final run. 

She was a powerhouse sister to Pamela Sweeten, the late Ted Sweeten, and Calvin (Judy) Sweeten. As an all-star aunt, she hit grand slams in the hearts of Heather Morgan Shaw (deceased), Martin Shaw (Kelsey), Jessica Filippini (Blake), and Curtis Sweeten. She also shared a special dugout with her “little sister” Kelly (Casey) Lawler and her family—Audra (Brigg), Ethan, and Johanna. Shelly was the MVP of “Grantie” status, showering love on Harper Morgan, Hattie Rose, and Hyatt Fletcher Shaw, along with Dorthy Rose and Margaret Anne Filippini. 

Shelly’s passion for sports, especially baseball and football, was unmatched. She was a die-hard Texas Tech fan and a devoted Red Sox supporter, always ready to root for the home team. Her love for the game started early as a statistician for the Hilmar High School Yellowjackets—a role she took as seriously as any championship title. 

But her biggest victory was in the league of life, where she played an incredible 38-year career as a nanny. She was the ultimate coach, cheerleader, and steady hand for the Pillon, Carey, Yeager, and Melvin families. From late-night lullabies to cheering on milestones, Shelly’s legacy will live on in the many children she guided to hit their own home-run. 

Shelly’s talents didn’t stop at the ballpark—she was also an expert crafter, a Broadway enthusiast, and a lifelong book lover. She never met a library she didn’t love, a knitting store she couldn’t browse for hours, or a Harry Potter premiere she wouldn’t attend at midnight. 

Her kindness was Hall of Fame worthy. Shelly never missed a chance to send a birthday card, buy a raffle ticket, or lend a hand. Just weeks ago, she made sure Harper’s birthday card was signed and ready—because no one got left in the dugout on her watch. 

When Pam moved to West Texas, Shelly saw an opening in the lineup—there was no Central California Women’s Conference equivalent. So, like any great player, she called for the pitch. With her encouragement and belief, the Uplift & Inspire Women’s Conference was born. Last October, when her story was shared at the event, the crowd erupted in applause—an acknowledgment of the legacy she helped build. 

Now, Shelly’s game has come to a close. She’s in a league of angels, free from pain, her spirit strong and victorious. 

She loved you and your family. She was so proud of your children, as if they were her own. 

Thank you for being part of her team.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Jessica, Marianne, Mary and Rhonda for their love and support during this LATE-inning battle. 

A memorial service will be held at the VanFoeken Barn in Hilmar, California, on June 6, 2025, at 10 a.m. Be sure to wear your favorite red or blue attire.  

Memorials may be made to the Uplift & Inspire Women’s Conference, 105 N Troy Ave, Unit C, Lubbock, TX 79416, or to a charity of your choice. 

Shelly Rene Sweeten’s game may be over, but her stats live on in the hearts of those she touched. The stands are filled with those who love her, and somewhere, the scoreboard is flashing: “Well done, Shelly. You knocked it out of the park.”