Shelmardene “Shelly” Coats passed away Thursday, November 4, 2021 at MS Baptist Hospital in Jackson. She was 76 years old. Mrs. Coats was born October 21, 1945 in Salt Lake City, UT. She has lived in Richland with her daughter for the last 6 years. She loved her grandkids and great grandkids and enjoyed reading. She was a loving mother of 5 children. She was also a strong, independent mother who had to be both, mom and dad. Along with her parents, Mrs. Coats is also preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard Coats. She is survived by her children, Susan Bilsky (Tracy Geddes) of Richland, Emma (Jeff) Topp of Boise, ID, Kenneth (Casey) Coats of Vernal, UT, Shawn Coats of Idaho, and Fred (Margaret) Coats of Utica, MS; as well as 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.