Dortha Aldora (Wilkins) Shelton passed away in her sleep, Monday, Nov. 13, 2006 at the age of 95.
Dortha was born Oct. 12, 1911 to Albert and Elsie (Smith) Wilkins, in Osceola.
She was the eldest daughter of twelve. Dortha grew up helping her dad and mom on the family farm, baking, sewing, washing, cleaning, gardening, and helping care for her brothers and sisters. Dortha was a very hard worker but enjoyed every moment when knowing she could help someone else.
On Dec. 24, 1931, she married the love of her life, Charles Amos Shelton, son of Carl and Theresa (James) Shelton, Norwood community, Lucas County.
After being married for sixteen years and having rooted in farm ground around Norwood and Osceola, Charles and Dorotha and their three children rented a farm near Chariton owned by Mitch Reem. The 500-acre farm was located on the Derby Road 1 ½ miles from Highway 14. In 1960, Charles and Dortha bought a 284-acre stock and grain farm west and south of Chariton. After Charles' death in 1973, Dortha remained on the home place remembering the days when she would help Charles with the livestock and helping plant and harvest the crops. Many friends and family can remember her famous fried chicken and homemade noodles and delicious pies. No one ever visited her home that didn't go away full after receiving delicious meal or a fabulous snack.
Dortha was very active in her church, First United Brethren of Chariton, and then Norwood United Methodist Church, where she attended through 2005, when her health kept her from attending. Her faithful church friends kept her informed on what was being done in the Lord's name.
Dortha leaves behind her loving family: sons Charles Jr. and wife Carolyn, rural Chariton; and Leland and wife Linda, Chariton; 12 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren; 7 gr-gr-grandchildren.
Dortha was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers, 1 sister, her beloved husband Charles; her daughter Irene Lucille Anderson and her husband Lowell; five brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at 10 AM on Friday, Nov. 17 at Norwood. Visitation was held from 6-8 PM on Thursday at Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton. Burial was in the Norwood Cemetery. Fielding Funeral Home handled the arrangements.