Donna Marie Shelton

Donna Marie Shelton, 78, of Gresham, Oregon, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2023. She was born on January 11, 1945, in Portland, Oregon, to the late Thurman Lee Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson. Donna will be remembered as a woman of great character, whose kind and loving nature touched the lives of all who knew her.

A mass of christian burial for Donna will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Anne Catholic Church, 1015 SE 182nd Ave, Portland, Oregon. A private burial will occur at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Portland, Oregon.

Donna's professional journey took her on diverse paths, all of which she embraced with dedication and passion. She began her career at Lakeside Gardens, working alongside the chef. Additionally, she had the honor of serving her country by working for the government, at one time welcoming GIs arriving on base in Tehran, Iran. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ramey Shelton. Donna's family was always at the forefront of her heart, leading her to establish an in-home daycare to be present for her beloved daughters, Julie Caverly and Beth Shelton. She then changed careers and drove School Bus for David Douglas School District. Her final career was an esteemed educator at West Powellhurst Elementary for 16 years until her well-deserved retirement in 2007.

In her leisure time, Donna delighted in a variety of hobbies that brought her immense joy. She was a devoted sports fan, passionately rooting for the Seahawks and Trailblazers, and reveling in the excitement of NASCAR races. Cooking was not only a skill she mastered, but also an expression of her love for her family. Donna found pleasure in playing Pinochle and Bunco, time at the beach and occasional visits to the casino added a touch of excitement to her life. Above all, spending cherished moments with her daughters and granddaughters filled her heart with immeasurable happiness.

Donna leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, forever etched in the hearts of her surviving

family members. She is survived by her loving daughters, Julie Caverly and Beth Shelton, as well as her adored granddaughters, Paige, Allison, and Blaire. Her memory will also be treasured by her dear brother, Ernie Johnson, sister-in-law Terri Johnson, and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ramey Shelton, her parents, Thurman Lee Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson, and her brother, Sander Johnson.

A traditional memorial service, befitting Donna's life and faith, will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church, 1015 SE 182nd Ave. Portland, Oregon at 11:00am with reception immediately following in the parish center. In remembrance of Donna's compassionate spirit, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization she deeply cared for and supported.

Donna Marie Shelton will forever be remembered as a woman of unwavering integrity, whose caring nature, gentle spirit, and deep love for her family and friends left an indelible mark on all who knew her. May her soul find eternal peace and may her memory continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the Shelton family.