Shelby Cantley

Shelby Dean Cantley, age 73 passed, away October 16, 2025 from complications of early onset Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body dementia.  He resided in Grand Junction, CO for the past 10 years.

Shelby was born to Chester and Esther (Lighty) Cantley in Anderson IN on December 5, 1951.  At five months of age his parents moved to Alaska where Shelby grew up.  His parents were school teachers and lived in Anchorage, Palmer, Clear, and Kodiak Island, AK.  The family owned a summer salmon fishing business in Alaska.  Shelby grew up learning the business and then becoming a partner with his folks and fishing for many years.

Shelby graduated from Kodiak High School in 1970.  He attended and graduated from Anderson College, Anderson, IN in 1974 with a BA in Social Studies.  He returned to Alaska and taught for three years before moving to Tempe AZ where he completed his Masters in Education Technology from Arizona State University.  Shelby accepted an Assistant Director position of the Instructional Materials Center at Anderson College in 1978 and was soon promoted to Director.  Throughout his career he was passionate about teaching and assisting students, faculty, and staff on the instructional use of non-print media and equipment for classroom, professional, and community use.  Shelby remained in that position until his retirement as a Full Professor Emeriti in 2014.

Shelby married Mary (Gardner) Cantley on March 5, 1988 at Park Place Church of God, Anderson, IN.  They made their home in Anderson and welcomed a daughter on May 11,1992.  For many summers they continued their migration to Alaska to work the family fishing business.

In 1995 Shelby retired from fishing.  The following year he went on sabbatical to advance his education and facilitate Anderson University’s growth into the expanding internet age.  Shelby graduated from the University of Virginia in Spring 1998 with his second Masters in Educational Technology.

Shelby was a member of the Christian Cogitators Sunday School Class at Park Place Church of God.  He enjoyed volunteering his time and expertise as a sound and media tech, served on various church committees, and participated in mission trips to Uganda and Egypt.  Shelby enjoyed traveling, camping, photography, woodworking, cabinet making, spending time with friends, walking his hound dog around the neighborhood, and reading. Since their move to Grand Junction he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, RSVP, and engaged in political activism.  Shelby was a current member of Crossroads United Methodist Church and participated in committee work and a welcome greeter.

Shelby is survived by his wife of 37 years, daughter Elena (Cantley) Halling, granddaughter Adalyn Clare, son-in-law Ben, and sister-in law Frances Cantley.  He was predeceased by his younger brother, Tim, in 2012.  He is survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Terramation arrangements are being coordinated by The Natural Funeral in Lafayette, CO.  A memorial is being planned for the Spring 2026 with interment in Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Shelby’s memory to the Clifton Christian Church Food Bank, Clifton, CO 81520, or a local food pantry of the donor’s choice.  Donations will also be welcomed at Park Place Children’s Center, 501 College Drive, Anderson, IN  46012.