Joan (Bramlet) Shelton

Joan B. Shelton
June 9, 1936 - April 24, 2021
Eldest daughter of C. Harry and Etta (Schanot) Bramlet, Joan grew up happily in Eldorado, IL
within a tight-knit extended family. She graduated with a degree in Education from Southern
Illinois University and started teaching second grade in Venice, IL during her last semester in
college. Leland Shelton was the new Junior High math teacher at the same school. They
met, married in 1959, and had a strong and loving marriage for over 50 years. Shortly after
marrying, they moved to Elgin, IL to continue teaching. Joan “retired” after becoming a
mother and devoted her time and attention to raising her two daughters, while Leland’s
career took the family to Deerfield, IL and then to Lakewood, CO.
Joan cultivated and nurtured wonderful friendships everywhere that she lived. Her love of
education and children led her to teach Sunday school for several years and, eventually, to
make her way back to the classroom as a substitute teacher. Joan was also a long-time
member of a group that met every Thursday to hike or to ski, enabling her to explore many
beautiful and remote parts of Colorado and to be with some of her favorite people. Joan also
enjoyed solitary pleasures. Oftentimes, when not in nature, she could be found absorbed in
a good book, or solving a puzzle.
Joan was happy by nature, genuinely interested in people, and known for her words of
wisdom. She lived with dignity and grace, and often expressed her gratitude for the wonderful
life she lived. Joan’s light will be missed, but the world is brighter because of it.
Joan was the beloved wife of Leland, who preceded her in death in 2011; The adoring mother
of Susan (Geoff) Barsch and Karen (Tom) McCall; The devoted “Mimi” of Adam, Grant, Jack,
Chase, Will and Isabelle; and the cherished sister of Judie (Steve) Stroup, Richard (Sandy)
Bramlet and Janie (Pat) Roberts.

The family will be having a private celebration of her life.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Alzheimer’s Association
Jeffco Action Center
Aviant Healthcare Hospice

Cremation was chosen by the family.

Care of arrangements have been entrusted to Stork-Bullock Mortuary of Lakewood.