Peggy Shelton

Peggy Shelton, 97, passed away on January 6, 2026 in her own bed at home in Colorado with her daughter holding her head to support her. She was born January 14, 1928 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Bessie and Euel Stephens.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Garland Shelton, her grandsons, Kevin Lee Garlington and Wesley Lee Holloway, and great-grandson, Billy Gene Chandler.

The most important part of Peggy's life was her family. She is survived by daughter, Linda Holloway of Thornton, CO; son, Larry Holloway and wife, Gayla, of Archer City, TX; and daughter, Leslie Garlington and husband, Bob, of Wichita Falls, TX. She "claimed" Marge Utne 46 years ago as her "adopted daughter", also by her side at death. Other survivors are grandchildren, Lori, Larry, Jr, Jason, Bradley, Brandie, Crystal, Matt and Olivia. There are 34 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several first-cousins and her four-legged son, Mister. Until most recent years, she never missed sending birthday cards on time to all!

For the past 10 years, she lived in Colorado, where she enjoyed concerts, theatrical productions, festivals and social events. She had a role in a musical production and learned a new craft, pottery, which she immediately mastered and added to her many artistic expressions, drawing, oil painting, fabric painting, embroidering, crocheting and quilting. She excelled in all and in fact, made her last beautiful quilt just two years ago for the new baby of her "adopted" family next door.

Peggy's talents also included playing any musical instrument she picked up, piano, accordion, harmonica, trumpet and drums. Her creative nature contributed to being an exceptional cook and baker "from scratch!" Hundreds can attest to her culinary creations, savory, beautiful and perfect. Her chicken and dumplings dough had to be cut in precise, uniform strips!

Another love, when she could finally retire, was traveling throughout the world and across the United States. She was especially appreciative of our country's beautiful national parks and hoped to get to all of them.

Peggy's life was hard, beginning with picking cotton as a young girl and working many after-school and weekend jobs as a teenager. During most of her adult working years, she was the principle provider for the family. Peggy graduated from "Old High" in Wichita Falls and proudly wore her "Once a Coyote, Always a Coyote" t-shirt. She attended Draughon's Business College and had a successful, very long career as a bookkeeper. Toward the end of her working years, she set up computer systems and taught others how to use them.

Peggy's deep faith sustained her through many sorrows and struggles, hidden from most who knew her. No one could tell that as her spine continued to twist, the continuous pain grew worse. The last two years left her bent at a 90-degree angle, unable to stand or sit up straight. When she had a hip replacement at 86, nerve damage rendered her unable to depend on her right leg and foot. A walker became her other leg. When life knocked her down, she jumped back up.

Her friends are many, and all describe her as generous, kind, loving, fun, witty, interesting, ready to help others, and a "living history book." Most of her friends agree that she never tired of telling long, long, very long stories! Her smile would light up hearts in any room, her laughter was contagious, and her spirit glowed. Now, as we look up, a brightly shining star has been added to light our path. Another angel is embracing us and wiping away our tears.

A visitation will be held at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, located at 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls, Texas, 76302, on January 13, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on January 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.