John was a gentle soul.  He loved learning.  He was relentless in asking and searching for information. Earlier in his life he was very interested in space and space programs.  He couldn’t read enough about these subjects.  He also enjoyed reading cookbooks and learning about cooking.  John enjoyed food – during the 2024 Paris Olympics, he celebrated by ordering in French meals. 
John was tolerant with me as I communicated with him – struggling to sign each letter of every word to convey my message.  He did lose his patience at one point, and we began using a pad and paper. It was a good alternative if not a preferred way to have a conversation for either of us. 
John was interested in participating.  He did not cower or shy away from what was happening around him.  
John was brave, courageous and independent.  As a young student, he attended school out of state.  He traveled home during school breaks on the Greyhound bus.  His parents told him they would be there to meet him and how happy and excited they were about his arrival. 
I admire John’s spirit and confidence in exploring his identity as Gayla. He was comfortable sharing his wishes with those who lived with him. 
With Love and Admiration - Your Niece Diane

For my lovely Aunt Gayla, 
Gayla was an important part of my childhood for many reasons. During our time spent, I learned many things from Aunt Gayla. To be authentically yourself and wear what you want, facts about Marilyn Monroe, and also how to communicate without words. My Aunt Gayla taught me that connection can happen in many ways, even with those who are unable to speak or hear. I remember doing vocal work with her, learning that vibrations from my vocal cords could help her understand words better. Practicing speech therapy and seeing her excitement to connect is something I will never forget. I learned we all need connections and to be understood. I am grateful for the lessons Aunt Gayla taught me and so lucky to have witnessed her smiles and excitement for life.
I love you. -Madison.

My first memories of John, were when he came home from the hospital, carried in a little white bassinet. He seemed so little. I remember feeding him milk with a small feeding bulb because he had clift pallet and hair lip. He had several corrective surgeries which allowed him to eat. Which he has always done with gusto.

John faced many physical trials from the beginning, but he fought hard and worked his way through them. One of them being he was unable to decipher sound and was mute. Our mother was a wonderful advocate for John, she homeschooled John the first several years, until they could raise enough funds to send him away to school in Kansas.
He attended junior high in Michigan and high school in Arizona. John was very smart and loved learning. He was an avid reader, devouring everything he could find on the space program, other countries and cultures.

John liked having speech sessions with his family and others. He made elaborate notebooks regarding words and sounds that we would use during those sessions.

John was very independent as a young man, he traveled all over Tucson via bus. If you wanted to get somewhere, you just asked John, he’d get you there. He loved goong on trips. He hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back with his siblings.

John was a very dapper dresser, even wearing hats, his colors had to match.

In his later years, John chose to go by the name of Gayla with those she lived with. I am thankful she was comfortable with her bring and could share that with me.

I will miss you. Much love.
Your sister Mary

OBITUARY

John Phillip Shelton

November 4, 1951 – May 10, 2026

Funeraria del Angel South Lawn & South Lawn Cemetery

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