Beulah "Bertha" May Shelton, 94, of Des Moines, IA, passed away at 1:20 P.M., Monday, January 10, 2022 at the Bright Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines, IA surrounded by family after complications from a major stroke.
Bertha was born in DeSoto, IL on February 27, 1927 to Ester & Eva (Holliday) Vorce.
Bertha grew up on a farm and the chores had to be done very early before she and her brothers could walk to the one room schoolhouse. They would compete to get the highest marks in their studies. Bertha excelled in every subject and was very proud of that fact. Whatever her brothers were up to, she was right there trying to out do them which fascinated and annoyed them.
She married Wesley Shelton on November 15, 1944 and had their daughter Betty Diane on August 29, 1951. They bought a house in Hallidayboro, IL and lived there many years.
Bertha had a very large family so she was always busy gathering with them to go camping, fishing, playing softball and having potlucks. Any reason was a great reason to be with her family which she enjoyed.
Wesley and Bertha were married 63 years. Her true gift was being a mother not only to her daughter but also to her granddaughters and great grandchildren. When she lost her daughter Diane in 1982, she said " God took one daughter & give her two."
Her passions and hobbies included plastic canvas, collecting cookbooks, her dog Coco and country music.
She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary Post 513 in St. Johns, IL. She was also a member of the American Legion in Murphysboro, IL and the Elks Lodge in Murphysboro, IL.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents Ester and Eva Vorce; daughter Diane Harrison; brothers Gene, Glenn, Ralph, Bobby; and her husband Wesley, who passed away on September 29, 2007.
She is survived by two Granddaughters; Joy Linn & Amie Green of Des Moines, IA; Great Grandchildren; Dakoda Doerflein & Alex Garrett of Centerville, IA; Alishia Schoenenberger of Clive, IA; Isaiah Linn of Centerville, IA. Great Great Grandchildren; Athena Burgess, Astrid Doerflein and many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Bright Kavanagh Hospice House, Searby Funeral Home & Rev. Tim Gossett.
Graveside services will be at 1:00 P.M., Friday, January 14, 2022 at the Hallidayboro Cemetery at Hallidayboro, IL with Rev. Tim Gossett officiating.
Those attending the service are asked to go directly to the cemetery.
Please use social distancing guidelines. Everyone in attendance is required to wear a mask.
Burial will be in the Hallidayboro Cemetery at Hallidayboro.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.