Clinton, Iowa Mourns the Loss of Beloved Business Owner Shelly Leab
The Clinton, Iowa community is reeling from the tragic news of the sudden passing of Shelly Leab, a well-known and deeply cherished local business owner. Shelly was found deceased inside her home on Pershing Boulevard on the afternoon of Friday, April 17, 2025, alongside another individual identified on social media as Brian Witherspoon, also of Clinton. The Clinton Police Department responded to the residence for a welfare check at approximately 12:30 p.m., where they discovered the bodies of both individuals.
Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths as the investigation remains ongoing. However, the confirmation of Shelly Leab’s passing has cast a long shadow over Clinton, a tight-knit community where she was known not just as a businesswoman, but as a vibrant and compassionate member of the town.
Shelly Leab was much more than a local entrepreneur—she was a beacon of kindness, a generous spirit, and a familiar, welcoming face to anyone who walked through the doors of her business. Her work ethic, genuine warmth, and uplifting personality left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Friends and community members are remembering her for her infectious smile, her unwavering kindness, and her tireless dedication to her neighbors and patrons.
“She had a heart that never quit giving,” wrote one friend in a heartfelt Facebook post. “Shelly could light up a room with her smile, and she had time for everyone—no matter how busy her day was.”
Another post described her as “the kind of person who made you feel like you mattered, every single time you talked to her. Clinton won’t be the same without her.”
The Clinton community has been quick to rally around Shelly’s memory, with numerous tributes pouring in across social media. Close friends and longtime customers have shared stories of her generosity—whether it was organizing local fundraisers, supporting school events, or simply offering a listening ear during tough times. Shelly’s loss is being felt not just in her family circle, but across the fabric of a town she helped support and shape.
Although officials have yet to confirm the identity of the second deceased individual, many in the community are mourning the death of Brian Witherspoon, who was frequently seen with Shelly and known to those close to her. As investigators work to determine what happened inside the home on Pershing Boulevard, the community is left with heartbreak, questions, and memories of lives taken too soon.
In the coming days, friends and loved ones plan to organize a public vigil to celebrate Shelly’s life and honor her legacy. Details about funeral arrangements and ways the community can offer support to her surviving family members are expected to be shared shortly.
For now, Clinton mourns together—bound by grief, but also by gratitude for the joy and love Shelly Leab brought into so many lives.
May she be remembered for the love she gave, the lives she lifted, and the kindness she spread so effortlessly.