Teresa Shelton

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA
Born on Mar 16, 1961
Departed on Oct 7, 2023

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I don’t have any memories of my life without my baby sister being a part of it. She was 5 years younger than me, but those first five years have faded into nothing, they weren’t important. When she came into my life things changed, I was part of a new family that included this precious, wonderful sister. We were a team as children. It was us against the world. I was her protector, she looked up to me and I wanted to save her from all the bad things. I was 17 the last time we lived in the same house. We didn’t even live in the same state most of our lives. We both married young and got busy with our own lives. We both put great priority on our own families, busy raising our children. She loved being a mother and dedicated her life to her daughters. Even though we have spent the last 40 years far apart physically I have always felt close to her. We didn’t talk often….every few months I would contact her. We talked about our families and our dogs. She always told me she was fine. She never wanted me to worry about her, I played along, letting her think I believed her….but I knew she wasn’t ok. On those wonderful rare occasions when we got to see each other, it was like we had never been apart. We talked and shopped. We did normal things. She always put on a happy face and tried to make me believe that everything was normal. The last thing she wanted was to talk about the monster inside her that was destroying her body. I continued to play along, we only talked about happy things. We laughed, we watched the Masked Singer. She knew the Peacock was Donnie Osmond, he was one of her favorites! I had just been thinking about her, realizing we hadn’t talked in a few months. I made a note to text or call her on Monday, when I finished up the paperwork for the dog show I was running. But I was too late. I got the call from her husband on Sunday. She was gone. I felt numb. The sadness slowly enveloped my body, covering me like a heavy blanket. Why hadn’t I called her? Why hadn’t I made that trip to visit her? Why was I so busy? Did she know how much I loved her and how often my mind thought of her? I can only hope she did. The world is a little darker now. I have a huge open wound in my heart where my sister belongs. I feel so alone. I am the only one left of the little family that lived on Ninth Street all those years ago. I am so grateful to her husband and daughters for being there for her, loving her and taking care of her. I never had to worry that she didn’t have help and support. Thank you so much for that! She loved all of you so much. She was so proud of all of you. Especially her wonderful grandson! She couldn’t stop talking about him. Good bye baby sister. I don’t have to pretend anymore. I know that the pain is gone and you are free with the wind beneath your wings, a Margarita in one hand and Peanut sitting in your lap.

I don’t have any memories of my life without my baby sister being a part of it. She was 5 years younger than me, but those first five years have faded into nothing, they weren’t important. When she came into my life things changed, I was part of a new family that included this precious, wonderful sister. We were a team as children. It was us against the world. I was her protector, she looked up to me and I wanted to save her from all the bad things. I was 17 the last time we lived in the same house. We didn’t even live in the same state most of our lives. We both married young and got busy with our own lives. We both put great priority on our own families, busy raising our children. She loved being a mother and dedicated her life to her daughters. Even though we have spent the last 40 years far apart physically I have always felt close to her. We didn’t talk often….every few months I would contact her. We talked about our families and our dogs. She always told me she was fine. She never wanted me to worry about her, I played along, letting her think I believed her….but I knew she wasn’t ok. On those wonderful rare occasions when we got to see each other, it was like we had never been apart. We talked and shopped. We did normal things. She always put on a happy face and tried to make me believe that everything was normal. The last thing she wanted was to talk about the monster inside her that was destroying her body. I continued to play along, we only talked about happy things. We laughed, we watched the Masked Singer. She knew the Peacock was Donnie Osmond, he was one of her favorites! I had just been thinking about her, realizing we hadn’t talked in a few months. I made a note to text or call her on Monday, when I finished up the paperwork for the dog show I was running. But I was too late. I got the call from her husband on Sunday. She was gone. I felt numb. The sadness slowly enveloped my body, covering me like a heavy blanket. Why hadn’t I called her? Why hadn’t I made that trip to visit her? Why was I so busy? Did she know how much I loved her and how often my mind thought of her? I can only hope she did. The world is a little darker now. I have a huge open wound in my heart where my sister belongs. I feel so alone. I am the only one left of the little family that lived on Ninth Street all those years ago. I am so grateful to her husband and daughters for being there for her, loving her and taking care of her. I never had to worry that she didn’t have help and support. Thank you so much for that! She loved all of you so much. She was so proud of all of you. Especially her wonderful grandson! She couldn’t stop talking about him. Good bye baby sister. I don’t have to pretend anymore. I know that the pain is gone and you are free with the wind beneath your wings, a Margarita in one hand and Peanut sitting in your lap.

I have known Teresa for over 50 years. Throughout all of the challenges and difficulties that she endured in her life journey, she always managed to face them in a strong, courageous, and dignified manner. Even more impressively, she always kept her cheerful and positive disposition, and we will always remember her for that. For sure, gone too soon; but now, no longer any pain to endure. We are all blessed to have known Teresa.

I have known Teresa for over 50 years. Throughout all of the challenges and difficulties that she endured in her life journey, she always managed to face them in a strong, courageous, and dignified manner. Even more impressively, she always kept her cheerful and positive disposition, and we will always remember her for that. For sure, gone too soon; but now, no longer any pain to endure. We are all blessed to have known Teresa.

I have known Teresa for over 50 years. Throughout all of the challenges and difficulties that she endured in her life journey, she always managed to face them in a strong, courageous, and dignified manner. Even more impressively, she always kept her cheerful and positive disposition, and we will always remember her for that. For sure, gone too soon; but now, no longer any pain to endure. We are all blessed to have known Teresa.

Teresa was not only my cousin but one of my best friends I will miss you so much this leaves a big hole in my heart and in her last years I wish I had spent much more time with her. Love you always, Teresa. Scott

Miss you Teresa I loved working beside you at Walmart you always had a smile on your face. You were a fighter through your illness. My thoughts and prayers are with your family

Teresa was a student of mine when I taught home economics at Roosevelt. She was a joy to have in class and spread cheer wherever she went. When I saw the photo in the Gazette my first thought was one of sadness she is gone too soon and then I could hear her cheery laugh. I know she will leave such a void in your lives and you will miss her happy presence. My prayer for all of you. Love, Donna Young

So sorry to hear of Teresa's passing. Our daughter, Terri, and Teresa were friends at Cleveland and Roosevelt. Our Terri passed in January 2021 of breast cancer. They were much too young . Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

I worked with Theresa at Walmart for about 5 years. She always made me laugh. She will definitely be missed, i know she faught a great fight. RIP lady. I always see lots of yellow butterflies.

I enjoyed working with Teresa many years at Walmart. She was always bubbly and had a big smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers are with the family sorry for your loss

I worked with Teresa for many years. She made my work days so much brighter and so much fun! She was the sweetest person. I have a Christmas ornament that she made for me that I will cherish forever. May our Heavenly Father wrap his arms around her friends and family. Hugs and prayers to all.

I love you Tree. I will always cherish our memories. Words can't describe what you mean to me or what the tattoo and your name on my leg are an honor! I'll be watching for butterflies. The little yellow ones. 💛 Rest in peace your a warrior

Sometimes there are no words to speak aloud, just soft whispers of prayers for peace and comfort for you and your family. We are praying for you all. I am so sorry for your loss.