Ronald Eugene Shelton

October 9th, 1945 - March 25th, 2025

Ronald Eugene Shelton, 79 of Yuma, Arizona was called home on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, Ron passed away at his residence with his beloved family surrounding him.

Ron "Papa" was born on October 9th, 1945, in El Centro California he was the youngest child of seven. Ron grew up in Heber, California and El Centro, California.

Ron joined the US Army after boot camp he was stationed in Germany as Military Police. During his time in Army, he received decorations for expert Rifle, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. After exiting the Army, he returned to Imperial Valley where he worked at Valley Auto, Sears (where he met his wife Ann) and started his career with the Imperial Irrigation District which he retired from.

He married his wife Dena Ann Shelton (Gatlin) on June 21st, 1969. They have two daughters Wendy Abrams (Mike Abrams) from Key West and Chamain Roberts (Randy Roberts) of Yuma, Arizona. They have 10 grandkids Devon Harris, Justin Espinoza, Jared Espinoza (Lizzet Aguilar), Brittney Grajeda (Fernie Grajeda) Bodie Harris, Carly Roberts, Destany Abrams, and Mike Abrams. They have 10 1/2 great grandkids, Aiden Aguilar, Jayse Espinoza, Scarlett Grajeda, Julian Espinoza, Cameron Grajeda, Jared Espinoza, Jonathan Espinoza, TBA Grajeda, Maximus Abrams, Riley Orders, and Emma Abrams.

Ron loved his grandkids/great grandkids so much; he was always proud to share photos and videos with everyone. Ron was a hardworking man even during his last few months, his wife couldn't get him to slow down. He was told by a grandson he didn't have a pause button. He enjoyed building houses, working on cars, painting cars, breaking something to fix it, traveling, going to the beach and making memories with all his family and friends. He loved his Country, Ron was a proud American, everyone that knew him knew he loved flags and eagles.

Ron will be truly missed.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, April 12th, 2025, at 10 am

Sunset Vista Funeral Home 11357 East 40th Street, Yuma Arizona 85367

Followed by a Funeral Reception 12pm at Champion Church, 3625 South Avenue 5E Yuma Arizona 85365