Dick Shelton 1943-2021 Obituary
Dick Shelton was released from his body Sunday, October 17, 2021 after a year’s illness. He died peacefully at home attended by his wife, Becky Ashburn, his loving neighbor and his marvelous hospice nurse. He had been eager to go. Dick loved adventure. He was a skier, hiker, rock climber and canoe racer. He loved cycling, and many times riding 103 miles up the highest mountain east of the Mississippi. He was always ready to explore a new place, taking car trips, train rides and travelling many times to Europe to hike and cycle. Snorkeling in Bermuda was one of his favorite vacations. He was endlessly curious. He read constantly and loved to have conversations about current events, trends, items he had read. He always wanted to investigate what made people do what they did. He wanted to know how things worked, and then forever he was modifying them in ways he thought he could improve them: chairs he sat in, the car steering wheel, the lamps by his chair, the tools he used. Sooner or later almost everything of his became a “Dick Shelton Original.” In Elkins, he became an enthusiastic flower gardener, creating a great beauty spot in his yard. He loved birds and could identify many of them, and created a haven for birds, butterflies and bees. He loved to make people laugh. He cherished the friendships he made in Elkins. He worked hard, valued excellence and competence, treated people as he wished to be treated and kept his promises. He will be missed. He expressed great gratitude to the staff of Elkins Cancer Center and the incredibly wonderful nurses from Mountain Hospice. Any donations may be sent to Mountain Hospice, 1002 S. Crim Avenue, Belington, WV 26250 or to Dick’s favorite program, the Backpack Program at First United Methodist Church, 315 Kerens Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of Dick. Memorial observances are still undecided at this time. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Dick Shelton
Dick Shelton 1943-2021 Obituary
