Kathleen “Miss Kitty” Reamy Shelton went to be with our Lord and her love, Ralph “Sonny” Shelton Jr. on November 8, 2022. She was born to Helen and Austin Reamy on April 5, 1934, in Aurora, Illinois. While growing up the family traveled extensively to many cities and states throughout the country. Of all the places she called home, her favorite was Los Alamos, New Mexico, where Austin had moved the family to while working on the Manhattan Project. A favorite memory from New Mexico was being married by an Indian Chief in Bernalillo, New Mexico. Kitty and Ralph went to great lengths to ensure the Chief was a legal Justice of the Peace and she often spoke fondly and humorously about the nuptials. Ralph spent twenty years serving our country in the Air Force while raising 4 children and traveling across the globe. As an Air Force wife, the family called home to many areas including Okinawa; El Paso, Texas; Zaragoza, Spain; Scott AFB, Illinois; and Wakkani, Japan. All the while loving every minute of it!!!! Ralph and Kitty finally settled in Beaumont, Texas upon his retirement.With a twinkle and a grin, she would relay how she had filled out his application to be the Fire Chief at Barksdale AFB and upon accepting the offer; the family has called Bossier City home since 1972.
Upon settling in Bossier City, she worked at Gardner’s Consultant in Shreveport before retiring after 40 years with them. Mom loved and enjoyed every minute she worked there. She loved her roles as secretary, office manager and notary public and made lifelong friends who became family. Carol Hall, Rene Harris, Mark Gardner, Brenda and Mike Maddox, all held a special place in her heart after her many years of working closely with them. She said on many occasions “her family was her life”. She loved spending time with her kids, grandkids, and great grands. Her generosity was unparalleled, and her favorite past time (much to Dad’s chagrin!) was shopping for those that were near and dear to her heart. Kitty and Debra traveled many times with family back to her favorite place (New Mexico) over the years and never grew tired of the area. Kitty was loved by many and described by everyone she met as a sweet and generous woman. She “adopted” many as her children and was always interested and concerned for their wellbeing. Every day she loved and prayed for them. Her faith was important to her, and she participated in adoration at the church when she was able and watched mass daily from St John’s Berchman’s Cathedral in Shreveport and St Patrick’s Cathedral in NY. She was a member of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bossier City and deeply loved her parish and the members therein.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph D Shelton Jr, her parents Helen and Austin Reamy, brothers Robert Reamy and Donald Reamy, sisters Nancy Crapo, Dorothy Sheeler, and Patricia Henson.
She is survived by her children, Dr. Debra Shelton, Ralph Jay Shelton (Anna Dunlap), Austin Ray “Chief Ray” Shelton (Bobbie Sue Hanisee) and Samuel Shelton (Andrea Vohl). Six grandchildren Jason Shelton (Casey), Jonathan Michael Shelton Sr (Kristi), Jennifer Shelton, Brittany Shelton, Stormy Hayden (Joseph), and Bryce Shelton. Mom was blessed with ten great-grandchildren Ty Justice Shelton, Dayton Michael Shelton, Chloe Jane Shelton, Jonathan Michael Shelton Jr, Shelby Anne Shelton, Jax Austin Shelton Migl, Brady Jay Shelton, Evelyn Kathleen Shelton, Emma Katherine Davenport, and Kathleen Joan Hayden. Also, survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Regional Hospice and her nurses Jennifer, Debbie, and Felicia for their care during these past few months.
The pallbearers are grandsons Jason Shelton and Jonathan Shelton; great-grandsons Ty Shelton, Dayton Shelton, and Jon Michael Shelton; and family friend Mike Maddox.
A visitation will be held at Hill Crest Memorial funeral Home in Haughton, LA on November 11, 2022, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Vigil Service will begin at 6 pm with Rosary to follow. Mass will be celebrated at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bossier City, LA at 10 am on November 12, 2022. Officiating will be Monsignor Earl Provenza, Father James Moran, and Deacon Michael Straub. Burial to follow at Hill Crest Cemetery in Haughton, LA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
