Margaret Riddle Shetley
March 9, 1929 ~ September 23, 2026
Born in:
Apison, TN
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailMargaret Riddle Shetley, 97, of Candler, died on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
A native of Apison, TN, Margaret was the daughter of the late Andy Wheeler and Dessie Cooper Riddle. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Hugh Shetley; and siblings, Willard Franklin Riddle, Vance Hugh Riddle, Gertie Lucille Danielson, Andy Forrest Riddle, Arthur Lee Riddle, Charles Hubert Riddle, Bettye Ruth Harris, and Helen Irene “Jane” Wrinkle.
She graduated from Baroness Erhlanger School of Nursing and retired from Mission Health after 40 years of service. She was a resident of Candler since 1972, and was a member of West Asheville Baptist Church since 1963, never missing a church softball game. She was also a proud supporter of Crossfire Ministries for many years.
Mrs. Shetley is survived by her children, Charles Eric Shetley (Martha), Steven David Shetley (Debra), and Brian Wesley Shetley (Debbie); grandchildren, Melanie Wood (Mark), MaryBeth Price (Sam), Megan Whitted (Jeremy), David Shetley (Jessica), Brittany Whisenant (Wade), and Laura Taylor; and 11 great-grandchildren.
The funeral service for Mrs. Shetley will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Pisgah View Memorial Park Mausoleum chapel. The Revs. Jamie Johnson and Jeff Hudson will officiate. Jeremy Whitted, Jamison Whitted, Mark Wood, Easton Wood, David Shetley, Wade Whisenant, Sam Price and Oliver Price will serve as pallbearers.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Service: September 27, 2026 2:00 pm
Pisgah View Memorial Park Mausoleum
1529 Smoky Park Highway
Candler, NC 28715
(828)667-4415
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 252-3535
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Thank you brother…I love y’all and appreciate everything you’ve done for me over the years. My life is better because the Shetley’s are a part of it. ❤️
Dear Shetley family. The entire Fisher family is sad to hear of Mrs. Shetley passing but know that she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus. We have known each other my many decades at WABC. We will be lifting you up in prayer. God bless and comfort you all.
Dear Shetley family, what a wonderful woman Miss Margaret was to so many people. I enjoyed my many visits and calls with her. She always had a way of making me laugh and sent me straight at the same time. She was a very special woman and will be missed by many Kathy and I are in California visiting Ryan and so sorry we cannot be there to celebrate her life service. We will definitely keep all of you in our prayers. You know we love you………. pastor tony and Kathy Hooper
Love and prayers for each of you!♥️
I have many memories of her as Melanie and I grew up. I know she was a rock for the family and will be missed. Love you all.
I worked at Mission when MS Margaret was a house supervisor. She didn’t put up with any gruff but was fair and good to the staff. I’ve worked with Steve and Brian both – both good men raised by good parents. Thank you Margaret for the memories. Happy she is in heaven now in the presence of Jesus.
Ms Shetley, what an Angel you were. Fair, No Bull, Always able to find the ER a bed when there weren’t any. You had my highest admiration and honor. Thank you
Mom and Ms. Shetley were reunited at Greentree and journeyed together the last six months. When I visited her a couple of weeks after Mom passed she said she knew Mom was waiting on her in heaven. Now they are together once again.
Steve and Brian and family, your mom was always an inspiration to me. When I was a paramedic in Buncombe and brought a patient to the hospital, often I would see your mom who was always so nice to me. When people found out that I knew her, it elevated my status to an almost reverence. They would ask me, do you know Mrs Shetley? I can say that my life is better because of knowing your mom. Heaven is a sweeter place today because she is there. You have been in my prayers and will continue to be as you navigate life here without her.
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Shetley. She was an extraordinary nurse, supervisor, mentor, and role model whose influence touched the lives of so many.
I will always remember her professionalism, strength, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She was a no-nonsense leader who set high standards, led by example, and earned the respect of everyone fortunate enough to work with her. Seeing her in her crisp white uniform and nursing cap was a symbol of pride, dedication, and the true spirit of nursing.
I was blessed to learn so much from her throughout my career. Her wisdom, guidance, and example helped shape the nurse and leader I became. She taught not only the technical aspects of nursing but also the importance of integrity, accountability, and compassionate care.
Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, mentored, and inspired. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Glenda McCall
Brian and Debbie,
I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs. Shetley. I just found out today. I have a lot of memories of her from being a supervisor at the hospital to getting to know her after becoming friends with the two of you.
She was a wonderful person. She’s now with Mr Shetley. So sorry for your loss. May the Lord be with you and the entire family at this time. Roy and I will keep praying for all of you.
My sister Bea Austin Jenkins worked with Ms Shetley for many years at Mission. She always spoke highly of her. Sorry for your loss
She called me one afternoon and asked how many beds I had at home because if I didn’t come into work she’d have to send patients to my house. She had a great sense of humor.
I met Mrs. Shetley in 1975 when I was a brand new nurse right out of college. She looked after me, taught me how to do things the right way, nurtured me and made me a real nurse. She was my mentor, my guide and most of all my friend. When one talks about what a nurse is supposed to be like, she was what they are talking about. She will always be my hero.
She always wore her white scrubs, her nursing cap with pride. I never could say “no” to her when she called me to come to work, even when it was not normal shift. I worked many a night shift because she called. I have many fond memories of her. Prayers to her family