Ruth Helen Shelton

July 13, 1931-June 22, 2019

Ruth Shelton, 87, of College Station, TX passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019. She was born on July 13, 1931 in Lyles, TN to Jimmy Lee and Bessie Worley Tarkington. Ruth was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Raised in Hickman County, Tennessee, Ruth enjoyed sports and was a star athlete on the Centerville High School basketball team. After graduation, she married Bill Shelton. They moved to California where he was stationed in the Navy. After serving, he became a minister for the Church of Christ. They began growing their family and were very active serving others in churches from Las Vegas to Raleigh, NC. They settled in McKinney, Texas in 1966 with three young boys and began working with the church, school and local community. Their marriage dissolved a few years later, but with the help of her church family, friends, and her strong work ethic, Ruth raised three strong Christian boys. All three of Ruth’s sons shared her love of sports and she always encouraged them to play. Ruth even found a way to watch all three play on different fields at the same time by sitting on the corner of the Little League bleachers with each son in view.

Serving her family was her joy and service to others was always a part of Ruth’s occupations. She was an active member of High Pointe Church of Christ for 46 years. Being a minister’s wife meant inviting people into her home and serving delicious meals which often included her famous chocolate pie. Ruth was especially fond of the elderly and those who lived alone. In McKinney, she was the social work director at Collin Memorial Hospital. Ruth was an excellent listener and leaves a legacy of sound counsel in every place she lived. Later, she was the agent for Trailways Greyhound Lines. Along with keeping her books in order, she also kept her station stocked with food for weary travelers. Ruth knew Got put her there and it was her mission to reach out to those in need.

Ruth moved from McKinney and lived near her son, John, a basketball coach, and his family for the past fifteen years where she continued serving others by sharing her boundless love with her neighbors and John’s players. Her favorite times were following his basketball teams and cheering from the stands. Ruth never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Bessie Tarkington; siblings, Ruby Thames, Bea Adams, R.W., Bob, and Charlie Tarkington; and her son, Tony Shelton.

She is survived by her beloved family to include her sons, Paul Shelton and wife, Sherrie of Black Springs, Arkansas, and John Shelton and wife, Dede of College Station; daughter-in-law, Cary Shelton-Patchell of Reno, NV; grandchildren, Blair (Vanessa), Cory (Elizabeth), Jaime Holthaus (Logan), Shelby, Chelsea Qualls (Justin), Mitchell, and Andrew; great-grandchildren, Christian Qualls and Jude Holthaus; siblings, Tom, Brenda, Larry, and Billy; special nieces, Ann, Amy, Delores, and Sheila; along with a host of extended family members and friends.

Ruth 3:11
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:00 PM on Saturday, July 13th with the Celebration of Life to follow at 3 PM at McDonald Funeral Home in Centerville, Tennessee. Arrangements are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan,Texas.

Express condolences at CallawayJones.com

Condolences

  1. Coach, I’m sorry to hear about your mother! You and your family are in my prayers. If there is anything I can do for you and your family, please feel free to let me know.

  2. Beautiful tribute to Ms Shelton!…they forgot to throw in she participated in her grandson’s Fantay Football League for years!!! Quite a lady!!

  3. Paul and family so sorry for the loss of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone.

  4. There are no words to express our family’s love for Ruth Shelton. She has been a part of our lives as long as I can remember. She set the bar so high for all of us. She was an amazing Christian example of strength, fortitude, and love without limits. I can only hope to be half as strong and kind as Ruth always was. I pray that God will give you peace and fill the missing space that she leaves. We love you all!!!

  5. Paul, John and your families – We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Ruth was a very special lady. We pray the special memories will help ease your loss. Praying for God’s comfort.

  6. We loved your sweet momma! What a jewel she was! I always admired her strength in raising 3 boys by herself! She was loving, unselfish, and most importantly, a genuine Christian God-fearing woman! She will be missed but she has earned her heavenly crown when the Day comes! Our prayers are for all of you as you mourn her absence!
    Mike and Darla

  7. Ruth was a wonderful Christian woman! She was such a good example to our family! We loved her and Tony, Paul, and John and their families. She will be missed! The Lokey family

  8. I feel I missed out by not getting to know Ruth for a much longer time. She was beautiful inside and out and such a joy to know. My deepest sympathy to the Shelton Family.

  9. RUTH, MAY YOU REST IN HEAVEN SWEET ONE, AND IT WAS A JOY TO HAVE KNOWN YOU FOR THE TIME THAT I DID, INSIDE JOKE, I TOOK CARE OF THAT ISSUE WE HAD TALKED ABOUT. I LOVE YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY .
    AMINAH MIMI COLLETTE

  10. Ruth was a wonderful Christian woman!!! She was so friendly, caring, and much fun!!! Life was good when you were around Ruth. May her family find comfort in all the wonderful memories!!!
    Jo and Don Pierce

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