Judy Ann Shelton

Judy Ann Shelton, 78 of Duluth, died Thursday, Oct. 3rd at St. Luke’s with her loving family by her side. Judy was born July 16, 1946, in Duluth to John and Audrey (Ledig) Riggio. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1964. She later went on to complete the LPN program at Duluth Area Vocational Technical Institute. Judy first met the love of her life, Ernest “Ernie” Shelton, when she was four years old after he “stole her candy.” They married 16 years later in Duluth on April 30, 1966. She committed her career to caring for others and worked as a nurse in senior homes and spent many years as a school nurse at Duluth Central. 

Judy’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren- baking cookies, attending school events, and being involved in their lives. She was an avid bird lover. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and tending to her gardens. Growing up, Judy’s children have fond memories of eating pasta multiple times a week- especially Judy’s spaghetti and goulash. There was never a shortage of food for family or friends. Ernie and Judy spent many years camping, hiking, boating, fishing, traveling, and most enjoyed just being together. Judy was a member of Journey Christian Church in Cloquet and the Italian American Club Auxiliary. She also participated in many bible studies over her years as a devout Christian. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, John Riggio.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Ernie; children, Patrick (Kimberly) Shelton, Thomas (Suzette) Shelton, Tammy (Randy) Hanson and Molly (Kevin) McLain; grandchildren, Heidi (Mark) Lisic, Emma and Samantha Shelton, Grace, Wesley, and Isabella Shelton, Thomas “TJ” Shelton, Tovia Hanson, Mabel and Mack McLain; great grandson, Waylon Lisic; brothers, William, and Michael (Kathy) Riggio and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Despite Judy’s grim diagnosis of a rare neurological degenerative disease in 2018, she lived life to the fullest. With her caring husband by her side, she worked hard to keep her mobility, strength, and speech for as long as she could with physical, occupational, and speech therapy several times a week. Ernie’s greatest honor in life was to love and care for Judy as he never left her side. She was brave and never complained, despite all the challenges she faced. Judy’s family would like to thank the many nurses, doctors, and staff at St. Luke’s Hospice for their kind and loving care for her in the final days. 

Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 10th from 5-7pm at Dougherty Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Friday, Oct. 11th from 9am to the 10am service at Journey Christian Church, 1400 Washington Ave., Cloquet, MN. Burial will be at the MN State Veterans Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to MCCL, 4249 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, MN 55409. Sign the online register book at, www.dfhduluth.com. Arrangements by, Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St., Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.