Rita Mae Shelton

Rita Cabe Shelton, of the Qualla Community, passed suddenly from this life on Wednesday, May 16.

Rita was born on Tatham’s Creek, in Sylva, North Carolina on November 29, 1923, Thanksgiving Day, to Mamie McCoy and Frank A. Cabe.

She graduated from Webster High School in 1941 and then joined the Signal Corp in World War II.  After the war, she moved back home and began work at the Agricultural, Stabilization and Conservation Service, in Sylva, where she worked as a Program Assistant until 1985, when she retired.

She was a member of the Whittier United Methodist Church where she served as treasurer for many years. She was also active in the United Methodist Women, sang in the choir, and did whatever was required to help keep a small church going.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, William Rogers Shelton, Sr. of the Qualla Community. A daughter, Drucilla Shelton Russell (Barry) of Whittier; a son, William Rogers Shelton, Jr. (Sabrina) of Whittier; five grandchildren, Susan Tamera Laney (Chad), William Rogers Shelton III, Samuel Crawford Shelton, Morton Calloway Shelton, and Thomas Cabe Shelton. She also had one great grandchild, Emily Laney. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Gladys Cabe and Betty Jean Cabe, both of Sylva.  She also had numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Diane Filiak Crisp; four brothers, Waye, Eugene, JC and Kenneth Cabe; and two sisters, Ruby Cabe Deitz and Ruth Cabe Williams.

A graveside memorial service will be held Friday, May 25 at 11 AM at Thomas Memorial Cemetery. The Reverend David Baxter will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Whittier United Methodist Church or to the Wesleyanna United Methodist Church cemetery fund.