Shelia M. Grist

Mrs. Shelia Grist, originally born Zhi-Jim Ch’ien and known as Siezu, entered the world in Banqiao, Taiwan, a city situated approximately 10 miles from the capital city of Taipei on January 24th, 1938. She was born to Mr. Chi-Shien Ch’ien and Mrs. Lin-Su Ch’ien, being one among 13 siblings. Her journey took a significant turn on March 4th, 1960, when she married American Sailor Therman R. Pierson in Taipei, Taiwan, subsequently relocating to the United States. Unfortunately, the marriage concluded after seven years.

Upon her arrival in the United States, Shelia possessed proficiency in Taiwanese, Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, some Japanese, but had limited command of English. Remarkably, within a brief period, she not only mastered the English language but also obtained U.S. citizenship. Shelia became a valuable resource in various settings, frequently called upon to translate for medical professionals and law enforcement officers. Additionally, she contributed to teaching English in local churches.

On December 5th, 1969, Shelia embarked on a new chapter, marrying Max J. Grist, Sr., in Monticello. Max, a successful businessman, established a small restaurant named the Pup & Float, which Shelia managed for many years. Unfortunately, Max passed away on February 28th, 2003. Shelia considered Monticello her home for nearly five decades until 2017, when she moved to Texas to reside with her son and daughter-in-law, Toby and Rhonda Grist.

Shelia's interests included dancing, bowling, fishing, bingo, and a love for various genres of music. She also developed a real passion for Dallas Stars Hockey, attending several games while living in the Dallas area.  She even named her beloved puppy Zubov after former Dallas Stars defenseman Sergei Zubov.  Described as a delightful, fun-loving woman with a generous heart, she was known for never treating anyone as a stranger and offering assistance under any circumstances. Shelia's culinary skills were admired, with people stocking their freezers with her homemade wontons and egg rolls.

Shelia is survived by her daughter, Tina Ingalls (husband Ron) of Center City, Minnesota; her son, Toby Grist (wife Rhonda) of Prosper, Texas; stepdaughters, Beverly Sue Wright and Sharon Kay Miller, both of Monticello; grandchildren, Rachael Hughes (Husband Mike) of Prosper Texas, Tiffany Grist of Denver Colorado, Ryan Ingalls and Renae Ingalls both of Center City Minnesota, Greg Wright, (wife Paulette) of Great Falls Montana, Mark Wright (wife Susan) of Monticello, Kelly Ottinger of Monticello, Megan Reiff (husband Jake) of Delphi, Andrew (Autumn) Grist of Galveston and Jacob Grist of Delphi.  Shelia also leaves a legacy through her12 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, along with several siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Shelia is preceded in death by her parents, several siblings, former husband Kenneth Matthew, husband Max J. Grist, Sr., stepson Max J. Grist, Jr., and grandson Tyler Allen Grist.

Memorial services celebrating Shelia's life will be at 11am on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello.  Pastor Benji Riddle of the Monticello Christian Church will officiate services.  

Private burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery in Kokomo.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to the Monticello Christian Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or messages of condolence at www.springervoorhisdraper.com