Obituary of Shelly Rae White

Shelly Rae White, 63, died on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at her home in Chattanooga, surrounded by loved ones. Born on May 19, 1953 in Coeur d’Alene, ID, her childhood was spent in Spokane, WA, and she moved to Chattanooga in 1991. Shelly worked in many different fields, but found her calling in helping the elderly as an Occupational Therapist. A unique soul, Shelly was a Character with a capital ‘C’, and she was known as much for her style and competitiveness as she was for her sense of humor. She loved to travel and her travels took her throughout Europe and across much of the U.S. She was a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court and her passion for the sport was contagious to those around her. Friendships were incredibly important to Shelly, and she was fortunate to have made many. Her network of friends became family, not only for Shelly, but her children as well. Shelly is survived by her daughter, Shannon Gierding Santora (Rasmus Gierding Santora), grand-daughters Isabel and Luna Gierding Santora, son, Garrett Santora (Erin Santora), sister, Susan Klysa, and four very spoiled, well loved dogs. A celebration of her life will be held at the Urban Lawn on Sunday, January 15, at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 4000 Tennessee Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409 (423) 821-7551. Share your memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com.