Cradle of Love was birthed following the grief caused by the loss of four grandbabies during our two daughters’ pregnancies.  None were buried … neither any in the Shelly family nor the hospitals nor our churches spoke of the possibility of burial.  Strong impressions from the Lord followed giving Bob and June Shelly the vision to establish a free beautiful burial site for miscarried babies by placing multiple small coffins in adult size graves. The first baby buried was Victoria Brody, on July 16, 2004.  Currently it is not unusual to find flowers and/or baby toys placed on engraved granite markers by families coming to visit and remember their lost loved ones.

The benefit of a Cradle of Love burial with graveside service is to honor the God of all creation, to comfort the family at this time of loss, and to provide family and close friends with a loving last memory of their baby.  At the time of this writing 29 babies are buried at Cradle of Love, located at Crestlawn Memorial Park, Riverside.  Space remains for 25 more babies, a total of 54.

Together we praise Jesus who said “Let the little ones come to me.”

Bob and June Shelly

As an advocate for protecting the unborn, I was introduced to Corona Life Services, a crisis pregnancy counseling center, of which I was on the board of directors for about five years.  As a result of my relationship with CLS, I became acquainted with a wonderful couple, Bob and June Shelly.   In November of 2013, I was contacted by the Shellys regarding Cradle of Love ministries.  As I met with them, they spoke about how this ministry came to be and I was deeply moved as they shared their story. Following several more meetings, they asked me if I would consider becoming involved in Cradle of Love, and after prayerful consideration, meeting with families, attending burial services, I knew this is where our Lord was calling me.

I am so very grateful to the Shellys for Cradle of Love and all they do to help families who have lost a precious baby and am blessed to be involved with this ministry.

Bernadette Bence