Rita Rose Shelton

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, wife, friend, and unofficial “Nanny” to many, Rita Rose Shelton, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 91 years of age after a courageous battle with lung disease.

Her family is heartbroken by her passing but grateful that she lived a long life full of love and enjoyed good health for most of it. She was the heart and soul of her large family, and she will be missed more than words can express. Rita loved her family unconditionally and selflessly and made family the center of her life.  Her family loved her fiercely in return. She was deeply kind and empathetic; she took great care of any person (or animal) who entered her home. She was a calming and reassuring presence to many, quick to smile and slow to anger. Rita was a wonderful cook, the maker of many meals and holiday feasts, and a masterful seamstress, who created beautiful draperies and everything from costumes to wedding gowns. She loved hosting holidays, keeping her house, helping her family members with projects, going out to dinner and to the theater, watching sports, crocheting baby blankets, working crosswords and puzzles, reading the newspaper, keeping up with current events, and visiting and laughing with friends, neighbors, and family.  One of 10 children, Rita was born in Ironton, Ohio on January 26, 1932, to William “Roundy” and Lena “Mom” Murnahan. She and her husband John had eight children. The family moved to Baton Rouge in 1967, where she lived until her death.

She is survived by her children, Beverly Rogers (Jimbo), John Shelton (Terran), Joyce Demouy (Jimmy), Sue Edwards, Scott Shelton (Nancy), and son-in-law Phil Douglas; 11 grandchildren, Dana Shelton (Michael O’Brien), Chris Rogers (Carmen), Adam Shelton (Katie), Brad Shelton, Leah Shelton, Michael Demouy (Lindsay), Adrienne Blacklock (Codi), Stephen Demouy, Tyler Edwards (Bridgette), Caelan Douglas, and Camille Falgout; and 16 great-grandchildren, Jack and Vivienne O’Brien; Adelaide, Alex and Declan Shelton; Gage Shelton; Karsyn Braud; Jensen Smith; Lincoln Shelton; Allie, Beau and Cole Demouy; Lily, Natalie and Joseph Blacklock; and Rylan Edwards. She is also survived by six of her siblings, Margaret “Flootie” Lyons (Gerald, deceased), Sue Corbin (Keith), Bob Murnahan (Barb), Paul “Puck” Murnahan (Shirley, deceased), Brenda Eaches (Tom), and Mary Jean Haas (Danny) as well as nieces, nephews, and other extended family in the southern Ohio area.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of over 50 years, John Shelton; and three of her beloved daughters, Vicki Shelton, Diane Douglas, and Janet Reed; as well as three of her siblings, Bill Murnahan, Hilda “Hitch” Mae Cordial (Lon, also deceased) and Frank Murnahan.

Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home at 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge, on October 6, 2023, starting at 9:30 a.m., with a service following at 11:00 a.m.

The family welcomes the sharing of fond memories and condolences at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.