Imogene Shelton

Funeral Services for Imogene Shelton, 95, long-time resident of Temple, OK were held on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Temple, OK, Phillip Hart officiating. Burial in the Temple Cemetery under the direction of Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home in Walters.

Imogene Shelton was born to O.E. and Martha (Harper) Bridges on August 26, 1923, in Burkburnett, TX, and departed this life on August 22, 2019, after a brief illness, at Cross Timbers Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Flower Mound, TX, at the age of 95 years, 11 months and 27 days.

She attended elementary school in Hastings, Oklahoma, and graduated from high school at Randlett, Oklahoma. She married Bill Shelton of Temple, Oklahoma on March 12, 1941, at Grandfield, Oklahoma, and they made their home in Temple. To this union, two children were born, Neal and Janie. Together, she and Bill enjoyed farming and ranching, Southwest of Temple. They raised Beefmaster Cattle and wheat on their farm.

Imogene also worked as a switchboard operator for the telephone company. She worked there for 10 years, and became the Manager, for the telephone company in Temple. She then worked at the Temple Elementary School for the next 10 years. She established the Library in the Temple Elementary School, was the Elementary School Librarian, and also the secretary at the Elementary School.

Imogene was an excellent cook, and enjoyed cooking for family, friends, Temple School fundraisers, and church activities. She was known for her delicious cowboy stew, pecan pies, and homemade biscuits which she made every morning.

She also enjoyed oil painting, when she started taking classes at age 71. Her talent at oil painting, led her to become an award-winning artist. She won several awards, including a blue ribbon, at the Gallery on the Green in 1999. She also enjoyed writing poetry and is a published author with her poetry. And she also enjoyed writing short stories, about the early days in Oklahoma.

Imogene was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a long- time member of the First United Methodist Church, in Temple. She taught Sunday School for many years, and would often take the classes to skating and bowling. She was also an active member of the United Methodist Women in Temple.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Bill, on February 27, 2007. They were married almost 66 years. Also preceding her in death was their son, Neal Shelton, on Sept. 28, 2006, She is survived by their daughter, Janie Bickerstaff of Southlake, TX; three grandchildren, Jason Bickerstaff, Melanie Callicoat, and Scott Shelton; and five great-grandchildren; and many friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 473, Temple, OK 73568.