Dorothy Frances Shelton nee Jones

Dorothy "Dottie" Frances (Jones) Shelton, 92, was gently carried from this world into the arms of her Savior on June 14, 2025, in Washington, Missouri. Born on April 7, 1933, in Otterville, Missouri, Dorothy was the eldest of four daughters to Paul and Isabel (Homan) Jones. The distant, lonesome whistles of passing trains provided the soundtrack to her childhood. Her father's work as a railroad lineman later led the family to Labadie, Missouri. It was there, at a local Saturday evening dance, that her sister introduced her to a handsome young man in uniform-the one who would soon ask for her hand in marriage. On July 10, 1954, Dorothy became Mrs. Millard "Pat" Shelton. After the birth of their first child, Dorothy left her career at the shoe factory to devote herself to raising her son. In time, she and Pat were blessed with four more children. As a mother, she didn't just nurture her own-her open heart, welcoming home, and generous spirit embraced the children of her friends and the friends of her children. Somehow, she balanced caring for others while also cleaning houses, babysitting, soothing little ones, kissing skinned knees, mending broken hearts, and shaping countless young minds. Her lessons were timeless, often realized only years later when passed down to another generation. Dorothy was a gifted writer, publishing several poems and articles. She had a remarkable talent for sewing, effortlessly altering and creating garments, often without a pattern. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and abundance—she had a way of conjuring enough delicious food to feed an army from even the simplest ingredients. Anyone who tasted her legendary cinnamon rolls, her homemade bread good enough to eat without butter, or those unforgettable cookies... well, if you know, you know. A woman of quiet dignity and unwavering faith, Dorothy stood strong in every storm and left behind a legacy of grace, generosity, and kindness that will resonate for generations. Late in life, she was overjoyed to discover an entire family of cousins she had never met. The time spent with them became among her greatest treasures. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Isabel Jones; her husband, Millard "Pat" Shelton; her beloved sisters, Mary Meyer and Donna Huxel; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She is survived by her five children: Steve Shelton (Carol) of St. Clair, MO; Jeff Shelton (Debbie) of Avoca, WI; Anita Strubberg (Tony) of Union, MO; Coleen Reicherts (Rodney) of Carrollton, TX; and Mark Shelton (Jeana) of St. Clair, MO. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, many children and grandchildren of the heart, her sister Shirley Coulter, sister-in-law Rosalie Kluesner, brother-in-law Melvin Meyer, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless relatives and friends. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and staff on the 3rd, 5th, and 6th floors of Mercy Hospital Washington for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion during Dorothy's final days. Funeral services will be provided by Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair, MO. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 19, from 4:00-8:00 PM and Friday, June 20, from 9:00 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place immediately afterward at Bethel Cemetery in Labadie, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the charity of your choice-or better yet, to honor Dorothy's spirit, simply make a difference in the life of someone who can never repay you.

Dorothy Frances Shelton nee Jones

April 7, 1933 - June 14, 2025