Ralph William Shelton

Ralph Shelton, 87, of Cottonwood, Arizona passed away on October 17, 2003. He was born in Buckner, Arkansas on August 16, 1916. Ralph spent his childhood in Arkansas. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and in 1934 at the age of 18, while working with the CCC in the Mena, Arkansas area, he met the love of his life, Almarie Johnston. They were married in 1939, and they moved to Southern California shortly thereafter. Ralph served in the United States Army during World War II in New Guinea-he served his country with distinction, and was awarded four different commendation medals. He was discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946. He then went to work for a restaurant in the Santa Ana, California area owned by a gentleman named Mr. Lee. After working for Mr. Lee for 10 years, he opened his own restaurant on Main Street in Santa Ana, Ralph\u0027s Cup and Saucer, which he operated for almost 20 years. Prior to selling his restaurant, Ralph took a correspondence course in locksmithing, and after selling the business he worked as a locksmith for the Orange County School District for 6-1/2 years. Upon retirement, he and his wife Almarie moved to Cottonwood, Arizona in 1985. Ralph enjoyed his retirement. He loved woodworking and gardening, but his favorite pastime was fishing. For over 16 years, Ralph accompanied his son-law and his son-in-law\u0027s brother on many fishing trips on Lake Powell. They would camp and fish in the upper San Juan River area. His age did not deter him from his passion for fishing, as his last fishing trip on Lake Powell was in October of 2003 at age 86. Ralph lost his beloved wife on October 13, 2003, four days prior to his death. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Metzger, two sons David and Jimmy, brother, John, a sister Lillie Tatum, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. There will be a memorial service for Ralph and his wife, Almarie, at the Verde Baptist Church, 102 S. Willard Street, Cottonwood, Arizona at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2003. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona on Friday, October 24, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. Westcott Funeral Home, Cottonwood, Arizona was entrusted with arrangements.