Mary Jo Shelton

Mary Jo Shelton – Jackson, Missouri 1934 to 2026 Born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on November 5, 1934 to Charles E. and Mary E. Feverston, Mary Jo completed life’s journey peacefully at home on April 6, 2026. Her family was of the utmost importance. She loved every moment of time spent together playing games, working on puzzles and projects, making crafts, and vacationing. Being outdoors observing nature was her solace. She enjoyed gardening, being near the water, and walking in the woods. Mary Jo was a talented seamstress, crafter, collector of antiquities, lover of the arts and an avid reader. She was a thoughtful listener and exuded grace and empathy. As a researcher of genealogy and history her late-life career was serving as the Librarian for the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society from 2016 to 2024. Much of that time was spent on the executive board. At 90 years old she felt it was time to “retire” and return to being a docent at the Cape Girardeau History Center so she could interact more with the public. Her early careers were positions of trust and competence. She worked as a legal secretary, and in the banking industry for over 24 years as a loan officer and secretary to the Vice President. Mary Jo was a 1952 graduate of Central High School in Cape Girardeau, a Girl Scout Leader, Daughter of the American Revolution and member of Eastern Star Sparta Chapter 441. She is survived by her daughter, Jodie Shelton-Herman (Adam), grandsons James Ratz (Jamie) and Jonathan Ratz, great grandchildren Carson and Shelbie Ratz, her care provider and honorary daughter Barbara Tripp, along with her loving nieces, extended family, and dear friends who all held such a special place in her heart. She was preceded by her husband James D. Shelton and daughter Julie Ann Ratz. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to St. Francis Hospice nurses, care providers and aides for their attentive care. Services will be held at the Mausoleum in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery located at 2315 US-61 Cape Girardeau, MO. Visitation is from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm and services begin at 3:00 pm. Ford and Sons Funeral Home, is handling the arrangements. A memorial reception will be held immediately afterward at Buckner Ragsdale Event Center located at 132 Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO. The building is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society, 102 S. High Street, Jackson, MO 63755

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Mary Jo Shelton

November 5, 1934 - April 6, 2026