Ava "Shelly" M Gelbaum

AVA MICHELLE “SHELLY” GELBAUM, 69 of YOUNGSTOWN

The night sky gained a bright new star on December 25th as Ava Michelle "Shelly" Gelbaum, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Shelly was born on April 8, 1950 in Youngstown, the daughter of Jack and Elaine Goldberg and was a graduate of Liberty High School.

She studied jewelry design at Ohio State University and worked as a Supervisor in the Collections Enforcement Department for the city of Youngstown for many years. She also had a love and talent for art and ran Bitz and Glitz and Javu Ju - a coffee shop that displayed local art work - with her sister-in-law Wendy Goldberg. 

Shelly was so many things to so many people, her smile, laugh and boundless kindness will live on in all those blessed to have known her.

She is survived by her daughter Rikki (George McKelvey) Gelbaum, three brothers, David, Rick(Dorothy) and Renny(Brenda)Goldberg, three grandchildren Jensen, Sloan and Harlow Mckelvey, ex husband and best friend Jason Gelbaum, Aunt to her nieces and nephews that she loved like her own children; and friend to more people than can possibly be listed here.

Her star will be surrounded by the lights of those who have already passed on: her parents, her sons Jensen and Drew Gelbaum, and sister-in-law Wendy Goldberg.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM on Monday, December 30th, 2019 in Temple Rodef Sholom on Elm Street in Youngstown.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service in the Temple.

In Shelly's memory contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Friends may view this obituary and send condolences to Shelly's family at www.shriverallisoncourtleyfuneralhome.com

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