Shirley Elizabeth LaFrancis Bellinger, 84, of Brookneal, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her home, on August 15, 2025. Shirley was born on February 6, 1941, in Rutland, Vermont, to Eugene Frank LaFrancis and Helen Elizabeth Bartholomew.

Shirley was married to Richard Alan Bellinger I on April 2, 1961, in Henniker, New Hampshire. As a Navy man's wife, Shirley supported her husband through his years of service, and many moves all across the country, while raising their four children. After Richard's retirement from the Navy, he and Shirley settled down on Rainbow's End Farm in Brookneal, Virginia, where Shirley began working at the Rustburg Landfill.

After retiring, Shirley spent a considerable amount of time involved as a member of Midway Baptist Church, which included working as their secretary. Shirley cared for her community, regularly visiting neighboring shut-ins and aiding disaster relief victims through the SBC of VA. When she wasn't at church, or caring for others, Shirley spent her time nurturing her beautiful gardens and enjoying family time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As Shirley was able to slow down she was extremely excited to focus on her passion for writing and developing herself as an author. This allowed her to blossom into the published author she dreamed of becoming, publishing her first book, The Shepherd, in 2019.

Shirley is preceded in death by her father, Eugene LaFrancis, her mother, Helen LaFrancis; and her brothers, David, Jeff, and Bruce (Frenchie) LaFrancis.

She leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Richard Alan Bellinger I; her last surviving sibling, Ron LaFrancis; her four children, and many many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.