Shelby Ravellette
Born in Poplar Bluff, MO on October 4, 1954, to Burton Edison Ravellette and Velta Joyce Hunt Ravellette, Shelby Dale Ravellette grew up in the Midwest and graduated from Pine Bluff, AR in 1975. He passed away in St. Louis, MO on April 6, 2020, after a brief illness.
He is survived by his mother, brother Burton Eugene Ravellette Jr., sister Nancy Marie Crosier all from Ashdown, AR, close friend and cousin Zachariah Ravellette and wife Monica of Cedar Hills, MO in addition to many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Shelby is also survived by his wife, Karen Woolsey of Omaha AR.
Shelby was preceded in by his precious Lacey Michele
A wonderful Christian man, Shelby was initiated as an Entered
Apprentice on November 13, 1975 at Quapaw Lodge No. 730 in Pine Bluff
and was raised as a Master Mason on March 25, 1976. He also proudly
served in the position of High Priest in the York Rite in addition to
being a 32nd° Scottish Rite Mason in addition to many other achievements. Shelby has been a member of Boone Lodge No. 314 in Harrison since he moved to the Ozarks in 1988.
Then one special day Lacey Michele entered Shelby’s life in the most unusual way. While grocery shopping Shelby ran into the mother of an ex-girlfriend who had a little girl with her. This little girl looked just like Shelby. They shared a special look and Shelby knew he was her father. As Lacey and Shelby spent time together, they shared of building a castle. Unfortunately, Lacey became very ill and the world lost her at almost 8 years old in 1987.
Shelby had a re-birth of sorts after the unexpected death of his most precious Lacey Michele. At his darkest time when his life was so shattered and he did not think he would be able to continue, Lacey came to him and reminded him that he was going to build her a castle. This was something they talked about, planned and something that he had promised to her. And if there was one thing he did not do; it was breaking a promise to Lacey and she knew that! In a vision, Lacey put her hands on her hips and stated “Daddy, you promised!” That was it. He was reborn with a new purpose!
Tucked away in a remote corner of northwest Boone County, Shelby spent much of his time laying rocks. Some were ones he could handle easily. Some were so big it required a front-end loader to lift. He pieced them together carefully, making sure each stone fit in its place. For his daughter, he began building Lacey Michele’s Castle. The castle became a non-profit foundation which is dedicated to preserving a wildlife management area emphasizing soil and water conservation and habitat restoration and preservation. In addition, Shelby opened a suite which offered guests a peaceful, tranquil place to stay while exploring the Ozarks. His goal was to create a setting where people could disconnect with the rest of the world for a while and reconnect with each other through the enjoyment of his exclusive, secluded cottage surrounded by the beauty and peacefulness of wildlife and mother nature! The castle property includes the Broken Heart garden filled with flowers that bloom in Lacey’s favorite colors.
In 2001, when the United States was attacked and the Twin Towers came down, Shelby wanted to do something to memorialize the heroes and victims of the tragedy. That is when he built the 9-11 gardens in the shape of the Pentagon, the Plaza Mall and the South Tower and filled them with roses. In more current years he used the gardens to grow vegetables to give to friends, guests and anyone who was in need. What was left was sold to local grocery stores with the proceeds going directly to the Lacey Michele Scholarship fund.
In 2013, Shelby created a scholarship in Lacey Michele’s name for the Omaha High School graduating seniors and has been supporting the for over 7 years.
Shelby was a giver. After losing Lacey he had a different perspective about life. He felt, what good is making lots of money when you no longer have your daughter to spend it on. So, while building the castle he sheltered battered women giving them a safe haven and helped then get on their feet. His happy place was working on the castle or in the garden. He built several water conservation projects designed to capture rainwater and hold it long enough to percolate back into the aquifer. He loved to cook using the knowledge his Granny gave him, making homemade jellies which he gave away, and cherished the recipes and cooking tips she shared with him!
After hosting outdoor weddings at the castle for over 20 years, towards the end of 2018 he began working on a space for indoor events. In addition, he built a completely brand-new bridal suite from the ground up in addition to renovating the Man Cave into a groom room. With construction help from his cousin, Zachary Ravellette, the suite was opened in less than four months. In addition to his amazing masonry work, he was also an electrician, plumber and did everything that was needed to keep the castle running smoothly.
Shelby’s focus in life was giving, giving, giving. His legacy to Lacey Michele will continue thru the Lacey Michele Foundation, as Shelby wanted, forever.
When we met, you were the direct answer to a direct prayer. And when you told me that you had been praying for God to bring me to you for over 24 years, that just cemented the deal! I knew God brought you to me, no doubt! And the happiness you brought to me; I had no idea it was possible to be so happy. You brought something into my life that I didn’t even know was missing. Then you opened your heart to my children and grandchildren, loving them as they loved you. I do not understand why God called you home, but I take comfort in knowing that you are dancing with Lacey! I am comforted to know that you are with Frank, and the Three Musketeers are reunited, and you have your precious Granny. This gives me comfort. We had so many plans and dreams to continue to build Lacey Michele’s Castle and to help others thru her legacy. Know my precious Shelby, with the support of family and friends, we will keep your dreams alive!
Shelby was an amazing man. I’ve known him since I was 11 at the bowling alley. He will be missed by all. Prayer’s for the family
Love,
Suzie
I have known Shelby right at 48 years. We both let there will always be a special place in each other’s heart. Shelby I know you are with Lacey and smiling so big. He and I along with Nancy and others showed all at a Shriner dance how to do the “bump”. ????. Will see you again my soul mate friend forever. Love you. Still can’t grasp that you’re gone. You were supposed to outlive us all.
Met Shelby and Karen in Oct 2015 he was such a wonderful man and I love his jelly he made….well we decided to go back to the castle in Oct 2016 and we got married there Oct 15 2016 he was so good in hosting my wedding he met all of my family and I just can’t say how much I’m going miss him he was so awesome in so many ways to many to list …your dancing with Lacy Now so I know your having fun….and one thing I will never for get he was the king at my wedding and Karen was the queen….bc we had a halloween theme wedding…..
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. We visited the castle last fall. Wonderful man. Loved looking at all that he built. I’m know he is with his daughter now whom he missed so much.
I’m so glad I got to meet him.
I only briefly met Shelby but was most impressed and amazed with him. His love for his daughter, his mission in life to finish her castle, his passion for the wildlife around the castle, the garden, the castle grounds and trails.
The thing that amazed me the most was the master plan in his mind of his vision for the castle. No blueprints, no plans, just building it as he went. The dedication he put into fulfilling his and Laceys dream.
The world truly lost an amazing man the day God took Shelby home. But what a wonderful legacy he has left behind. He will forever live on through the Lacey Michelle foundation and the many great things he achieved in his life
I met Shelby and his family when they lived in Indiana. We were kids and I have so many great memories of us all playing together. I was heartbroken when they moved away. I have just recently found Nancy on Facebook. Which has made me very happy. Shelby was a very sweet person, and will be missed.
Sadly I never got to meet Shelby in person. I truely feel very fortunate when I became friends with him on facebook. I have felt honored to watch all the wonderful things he has done and all the beauty of his legacy. The Lacey Michelle foundation shows the love, talent, strength and dedication Shelby created for Lacey and himself. I hope to one day make it to see the beauty he has created! I will miss seeing Shelby. Prayers to you Karen <3
I’m so sorry to hear of Shelby’s passing. He was a good man. I’m keeping his family in my heart and prayers during this sad time.
I’m so sad to hear this. I remember him at the bowling alley here in Pine Bluff. What
a beautiful tribute to his little girl. So sad she wasn’t here to see it.
I met Shelby at the Bowling Alley when we were teenagers! Burt & Nancy too! As well as the Parents who were awesome! He was always smiling! This is a great loss of a wonderful man/father. Fly high my friend with your precious Angel! Love ya
I first met Shelby in 1977 He was always a good friend and just a decent good hearted man. I know he loved his family dearly and offer them my condolences in these times. God Bless.
I know Shelby and am saddened to hear about his death, he was special to me, not only did I work for him at the bowling alley, he was a great friend, he organized a senior trip for a week at a lake camping, and what a time , one of many wonderful memories of things that he did. He will be missed.
I knew Shelby and Nancy from the Bowling Alley in Pine Bluff. He was a great guy back then. I am sorry so for your loss Cricket. Prayers for you and the family.
GOD Bless y’all. Thank you for remembering me as cricket, cricket cutoff was one of the reasons Shelby bought the land Lacey Michele castle was built on. Plus I would like to say I’m sorry to Jerry’s widow,a wonderful woman to my children and wife. I was listed as crosier, I have been Nancy Ravellette since 1997. My brother was one of the brightest lights in my life. He will be missed and remembered forevermore.
Sadden to hear of the passing of Shelby. I worked for him several years at the bowling alley in Pine Bluff. I have fond memories of those years.
RIP. Only met him one time. Was very impressed by him. I could tell he was a very good man. God bless him.