Shelly Lee Borland, 53, passed away on February 8, 2025. Gone from us way too soon, but a life fiercely lived with so much love, loyalty, humor, resilience…and not to mention the worst luck ever!
Born on April 29, 1971, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas, Shelly was a proud graduate of Lawrence High School’s Class of 1989. She married Gene Lester in the summer of 1989 then joined him in Germany where he was stationed while serving in the United States Army. They later welcomed a son, Jake Robert in 1994. Although their marriage did not survive, Gene & Shelly remained very close until 2017 when Gene was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. Shelly later married & divorced Tad Teehee. They share a daughter, Kameron Morgan, born in 1999.
Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to various careers, working as a dental assistant, a veterinary technician, and a county appraiser to name a few. No matter the role, she approached her work with dedication and care.
Shelly’s greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren, Murphy Lee and Walker Eugene. She was known for her adventurous spirit and loved traveling with friends whenever she had the chance. Full of life and deeply caring, she was a hardworking woman who embraced every moment and cherished those around her. To her family, she was more than just a mother, sister and aunt-she was the best Nana anyone could ask for.
She is survived by her son Jake (Kimberli) Lester; her daughter Kameron (Kaiden) Teehee; her sister Sherry (Kevin) Chaney; her brother Benji Borland; her granddaughter Murphy Ambrose; her grandson Walker Lester; former in-laws Robert & Linda Lester; many loving nephews & nieces; a large unofficial adopted family; and a host of cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her father Roger Borland and her ex-husband Gene Lester.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Parr Family Barn, located at 17688 Golden Rd., Linwood, Kansas, 66052. For those wishing to send flowers or cards for the celebration, they may be sent to Jake Lester at 31412 W. 85th Terrace, De Soto, KS 66018.
Donations to the American Heart Association can also be made in honor of Shelly and in support of Murphy at https://tinyurl.com/yf5buac7.
Shelly’s warmth and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.