Ima Ruth Shelton

Ruth was born in Eustace, Texas to Daniel Lee McLendon and Minnie Ethel Hambric on May 14th, 1925. She went to school in Dallas, Texas and graduated from Forest Avenue High School. She was married to Charles Shelton for 49 years filled with lots of love, creativity, and many adventures during their travels in the Avion. She worked as a finance manager for the Franck family for many years. As mentioned before, she was an avid traveler and a member of the Avion Travel Club where she served in multiple positions. She was also very passionate about genealogy and used her time and talent to help many families trace their lineage back as far as the 1600’s in many cases.

She held membership in the Lucretia Council Cochran Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Arlington, Sarah Maples Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Mabank, Martin’s Hundred Chapter Colonial Dames XVII Century Mabank, The Jose Francisco Calahorra Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Colonists Mabank, and War of 1812 Johnson Creek Chapter of the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 Arlington. Ruth was tremendously devoted Christian that lived independently and loved the ability to drive and provide transportation for others all the way to the age of ninety-seven. She loved to take her friends to the store, church, various organization meetings, out to eat, or anywhere they needed to go.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Minnie McLendon; Husband, Charles Shelton; and Son, Gil Helsel.

Ruth is survived by Grandchildren, Rob Helsel and wife Juliann, Greg Helsel and wife Teara; great-Grandchildren, Alyssa Helsel, Ian Helsel, and Zach Helsel; First Cousin, Oscar Pruitt, and his wife Susan. Ruth is also survived by extended family and many, many wonderful friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday the 26th of October at Grace Fellowship Baptist Church, 3801 McCart Ave, Fort Worth, TX, 76110 with Oscar Pruitt officiating.

The church building will be open for flower deliveries from 3pm-6pm on Friday the 25th, and from 8:00 am until the start of service on Saturday the 26th.

Notification of any donations made in Ruth’s name may be sent to the attention of Rob Helsel at 6109 Monterrey Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.