Shelley Rae Locken, age 55, went to be at peace with our Lord November 13, 2020. Born November 4, 1965 in Stanley, ND to Lloyd "Lyle" and Ramona (Johnson) Locken, joining older sisters Paula, Lori and Brenda. The fond memories she had of those early years included the tight cozy quarters at Grandma Pauline's farm home, with uncles Jim and Daryl often her playmates; swinging on the rope in the grand barn at the Liffrig place; those beautiful lilacs and the big slough where the family eventually settled on the old Sand homestead; and of course Hussas and the Beldon Store, which was always in close proximity. Her not so fond memory was being first on and last off as first Dad, then Mom were always the school bus drivers. During her school years Shelley was active in gymnastics, basketball, track and rodeo, participating in bull riding and barrel racing. Shelley quickly discovered her true passion in gymnastics at a young age. Among her fondest childhood memories was Gregg Amundsen bringing gymnastics to the New Town School, and her parents getting a trampoline on which to hone her tumbling skills.

Shelley was united in marriage to Daryl Uran February 14, 1987 and the young couple proceeded to find their way, initially in Lafayette, CO, then Woodlake, CA and eventually back to God's Country in Bismarck, ND, now with young son Luke. While in Bismarck, Shelley discovered the Bismarck Gymnastics Academy and was soon coaching, a lifelong passion she would carry on to inspire countless people. As that career flourished, second son Caleb was born.

In 1993 the young couple moved to Glendive, MT and Shelley reluctantly gave up her dream job coaching in a prospering gymnastics program in Bismarck. However, it wasn't long before she organized and started Glendive Gymnastics for the local children. She even experienced the joy of coaching and watching her own son Caleb excel in that sport. In late 2000 Shelley and Daryl reluctantly made the decision to leave a community they had grown to love and seize the opportunity to move back to rural New Town to farm and ranch. With her husband working an off-farm job, Shelley excelled at holding down the farm enterprise with amazing skills and versatility. She was passionate about horses, pets, family and the raising of her young boys. She also found time to involve herself in local gymnastics programs, most recently and until the time of her death, Acro Stars Gymnastics in Ray, ND. She cherished her grandchildren and adored Sauly’s stories as well as Claire’s gymnastics.

Shelley left a legacy as daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, coach, mentor and friend. Her compassion, love and beauty will be profoundly missed. She had an unforgettable presence about her, with an infectious smile that lit up a room and a laugh that resonated. Thanks to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and her deep faith in his gospel, her path to paradise was paved. She no doubt proclaimed "what a ride" to the loved ones she greeted as she stepped through the pearly gates, and would love nothing more than to hear you proclaim your joy at her arrival.

Shelley is survived by her husband, Daryl; sons, Luke and Caleb; grandchildren, Claire and Sauly; parents, Lyle and Ramona Locken; sisters, Paula (Brian) Horob, Lori (Tim) Johnson and Brenda (Craig) Fisketjon; uncles, John, Norman, Paul (Sharon), Jim (Sherry) and Daryl (Pam) Locken; aunts, June Dokken, Sharon Wasicel, and Betty (Rusty) Deserly; In-law parents, Dale and Nina Uran; sisters-in-law, Linda (Robert) Trandum, Patsy (Irvin) Andes, Ellen Maier, and Carol (Wayne) Johnson; brothers-in-law, Rodney Uran and Hans Fredericks; numerous and beloved cousins nieces and nephews.

Shelley was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Pauline Locken; cousins, Dena Johnson, Kent Locken and Mark Locken; sister-in-law, Diana Uran; brother-in-law, Bruce Maier, nephews, Monte Johnson and Scott Andes; niece, Jodi Trandum.