Linda Neola Ream Shelton

Linda was born October 11th 1944 to Jim and Olena Ream in Mt. Pleasant Utah. Linda entered this world five minutes ahead of her twin brother Larry. For the next 79 years, she laughingly referred to him as her younger brother. Though she dearly loved all of her siblings, she and Larry had a bond only twins can know. Having light auburn hair as a baby, earned her the nickname pinky. (But for some unknown reason her dad always called her rabbit). An artistic impish child, she grew into a take charge ball of energy.

Graduating from Wasatch Academy in 1962, Linda moved to Salt Lake City where she met her future husband Robert (Bob) Shelton. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 1964 and were together for 54 years until his death in 2018. They had three handsome boys, Robert Jr. and twins Jason and Jeffery. Linda loved her boys unconditionally and would do anything for them. She had a fourth boy and little girl who stole her heart, her beloved little dogs Timmy and Zoey. They were her constant companions and a great comfort to her.

Linda and Bob loved to travel. They visited all fifty states, went on a number of cruises, and explored the world from Africa to Scandinavia and all point in-between. A whirlwind in a five foot two inch body, she was always on the go. She would host barbecues for family and friend, taking charge of the IOOF state picnic, delivering bags for senior citizens at Christmas, and making baskets for children at Easter. In her spare time (yes she did have some), Linda made beautiful mosaic pictures and beaded bracelets for friends and family. Linda was happiest when she had four or five irons in the fire.

Halloween and Christmas were her favorite holidays, and she kept Jason busy decorating her yard. Linda loved tart green apples with lots of salt and dill pickles. She hated onions and seafood. She was a big fan of spooky movies and movie theater popcorn. She disliked food touching on her plate. Linda loved anything that would sparkle and shine like sequins and rhinestones.

For over forty years Linda was an active member of the Independent Order Of Oddfellows and Rebekahs. (IOOF). She was selected to hold the office of Rebekahs Assembly President of Utah. She was chosen many times to represent Utah at Sovereign Grand Lodge. Linda became the first woman to hold the office of Grand Master of the IOOF in the state of Utah. She worked diligently to uphold the IOOF motto of Friendship, Love and Truth. For a number of years Linda was on the charity board of the Oddfellows in Utah; overseeing the donation of thousands of dollars to charities such as Make A Wish, The Hogle Zoo, Cooper Bowden Memorial Golf Tournament and many others. Wheather taking cases of canned food to the V.A. hospital or helping a single mother of five buy school supplies for her children, Linda was always the first to volunteer. For all her service and good works she was presented with the medal of chivalry, one of the highest honors a Rebekahs or Oddfellow can be given.

Linda is survived by her sons Robert Jr. (Kari); Jason (Amelia); Jeffery (Sandy); many grand children and great grandchildren; sisters Sandy and Susan; brothers Larry and David.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents James and Olena, her husband Robert, and half brother Joseph.

As a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and neighbor Linda not only loved well but was well loved. On the next cloudless night, when you see stars twinkling in the sky, you will know it is heavens newest angel sprinkling rhinestones and winking a final good bye.