Maria Anita Shelton

Maria graduated from Bethune High School. She was a friendly and outgoing person, charming those around her with her laugh and smile. At the age of 17 she became the queen of Cinco de Mayo, in 1970. Her openness towards others continued throughout her life and even recently was known to strike up conversations with total strangers. She worked for 22 years in Valley View Elementary School, where she was beloved by the students and her co-workers.

In addition to her smile and laugh her family will always remember that they couldn't get her out of the Casino. There was still a social component to this activity, as she had proclaimed that she didn't like bingo because she couldn't talk while playing. Visits to the casino brought her a great joy; perhaps second only to her family. She adored each and every family member, especially her grandchildren.

Maria is survived by her spouse, Michael David Shelton, Sr.; daughter JoAnn Shelton; son, Michael D Shelton; sisters, Concha D (husband, Trinidad) Martinez, Damina Quintana, and Rose Mary Bustillos; brother and sister- in-law, Kathy Hindenberger and Dennis Hindenberger; grandchildren, Amanda L Mendez, Armaneto Cancino, Alexis M Cancino, Joseph Gomez, Jonathan Gomez, Michael D Shelton, and Haley M Shelton; great grandson, Dario S Morales; 3 nieces and 8 nephews

A visitation for Maria will be held Wednesday, January 17, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Rosary at 6:30 PM. A funeral service will occur Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 10:00 AM, all at 4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, with burial to follow.

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