Phyllis Marcene Shelton, 95, of Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on November 12, 2024 at Hospice House in Ottumwa, Iowa. She was born December 29, 1928 in rural Davis County, Iowa to Vernette Andrew and Elsie Blackwell Altheide. Phyllis married DeWitt Stuart Shelton September 5, 1948 at the Bloomfield Christian Church. They were married 71 years before his passing in November 2019. They were the parents to two children, Rebecca and Stuart.
Upon graduating from Bloomfield High School in 1945, Phyllis began a secretarial career working for several Bloomfield attorneys, two Iowa State professors, and a county school superintendent. She also worked alongside her husband supporting his career as a farmer, vocational agriculture instructor, and FFA Advisor.
Together, Phyllis and DeWitt grew and supported the Davis County Fair and the Bloomfield Christian Church. Phyllis was a member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship – holding various leadership positions. Phyllis also belonged to PEO, Eastern Star, Chautauqua Club, Prairie Home Club, and was a 4-H leader.
In addition to volunteer work, Phyllis and DeWitt enjoyed travel and often incorporated Phyllis’ hobby of genealogy into their travels. The couple also spent several winters at Rock Shadows RV Park in Apache Junction, Arizona. Every August their RV enabled Phyllis and DeWitt to visit with friends and host family while camping at the Iowa State Fair. It was a special joy to show their grandchildren and great-grandchildren the fair which played such an important part in their lives.
Phyllis took great pride in her six grandsons and their families. She and DeWitt traveled to many sporting events, graduations, and weddings across the United States.
She will be remembered for her curiosity that often led her to reach for her World Book Encyclopedia, Rand McNally Atlas, and “Hey Siri” on her iPhone in order to research places and things relevant to her family and friends.
Phyllis will be missed for her thoughtfulness, her generosity, and her energetic spirit that brought so much joy to all who loved her.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Rebecca (Garry) Berryman of Scottsdale, Arizona; son, Stuart (Dixie) Shelton of Stockton, Illinois; six grandsons, Bradley (Rebecca) Berryman of Scottsdale, Arizona, Cale (Michelle) Berryman of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Eric (Vicki) Berryman of Glendale, Arizona, Travis (Sarah) Shelton of Ankeny, Iowa, Chad (Kendra) Shelton of McFarland, Wisconsin, Trent (Chika Kusakawa) Shelton of Tokyo, Japan; ten great-grandchildren, Elliana and Garrick Berryman, Graham and Shea Berryman, Paxton and Finley Shelton, Beckett and Kyler Shelton, Luka and Emika Kusakawa Shelton; brother, Don (Dee) Altheide; sister, Marlene Cook; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Richard Altheide; and two sisters, Helen Altheide, Lois Fitzgerald.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Bloomfield Christian Church with Pastor Don Naftz officiating. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield. Visitation with family present to greet friends will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Saturday morning. Memorials have been established to the Bloomfield Christian Church and the Davis County Agriculture Society (Davis County Fair).
