Rita F. Shelton went home to be with the Lord March 9th, 2018 at Cottage in the Meadows. Rita was born in Lead Hill Arkansas on July 23, 1937 to Ollie Mae Rogers and Clifton Mears. She was the third child of seven siblings.
Rita met Dale Shelton in 1952 and they were married October 29, 1954. They worked in the fruit industry and various apple orchards until Dale and his two sons started their company Shelton and Sons that they ran from 1978 to 2010. Rita became a homemaker and stayed home to answer phones for the business.
Rita and Dale had three children together. Larry Rae and Gary Dale who were twins born March 17th 1956 and Tony Rae the youngest of the boys born October 28th, 1960.
Rita enjoyed The Holidays where she made her famous gravy that she has passed down to the generations below, along with all of her homemade pies, and deserts. She was a strong woman of faith and enjoyed going to church on Sunday's where she served her Lord and was an established member at Full Gospel Church in Yakima. Her family was important to her and she loved spending times with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, many of which she watched on a day to day basis until her health began to decline.
Rita is survived by her husband of 64 years Dale Shelton of Yakima. Her three sons, Larry (Alice), Gary (Tammy), and Tony Shelton of Yakima. Her brother Shelby (Koeetia) Mears of Omak, WA and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Rita was preceded in death by her infant daughter Linda Kay, father Clifton Mears and mother Ollie Mae. Brothers Carl, Jo, Ross, Oroville and her sister Ella Mae Mears.
In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be given to Cottage at the Meadows in Yakima.
There will be a visitation Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. There will be a Funeral Service Friday, March 16, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home with a Graveside Service concluding at West Hills Memorial Park.
To share a memory of Rita, please go to www.keithandkeith.com
