A time for remembering and celebrating the life of Rhonda L. Shelton, 64, of Fairmont, MN will be held from 3 – 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont. A private family burial will be held at a later date in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. Rhonda passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Fairmont. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.
Rhonda Lee (Christensen) Shelton was born on August 15, 1959 in Albert Lea, MN, the daughter of Ron and Joanne (Vangen) Christensen. Rhonda grew up in Geneva, MN, where she graduated in 1977 from Ellendale High School. Following her graduation, she attended Winona State University where she earned her Associate of Science degree, graduating with the class of 1980. Feeling a sense of duty to her country, Rhonda enlisted in the United States Air Force in March of 1980. She served her country proudly overseas in the Philippines for 47 months and attained the rank of Sergeant. While in the military, Rhonda received the US Air Force Achievement Award, the US Air Force Good Conduct Award, the US Air Force Longevity Award and the US Air Force Overseas Medal. In December 1985, Rhonda received her honorable discharge from active duty with the Air Force, but would go on to serve in the reserves.
While serving in the military, Rhonda met Derike Shelton at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. The couple were married on September 12, 1980, and upon departure from the Air Force, made the move to Minnesota to be close to family. Rhonda and Derike were blessed with two children, Tiffany and Cade.
In the late 90’s, Rhonda and Derike moved their family to Fairmont, MN and planted roots on South Silver Lake in Martin County. Rhonda worked for 20 years as the office manager of Associate Optometry in Fairmont. She loved life on the lake, so her free time was spent enjoying swimming, boating, fishing and being close to nature. Rhonda had a green thumb and looked forward to spring and planting her garden and the harvest of all her labor in the fall. She was known far and wide as an accomplished cook and enjoyed her quiet time spent crafting and sewing. She enjoyed cooking for many of her children’s friends and making them feel welcome in her home; many of whom referred to her as “Mama Rhonda.” Family was extremely important to Rhonda, and she deeply loved her husband and children.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Derike Shelton of Fairmont, MN; children, Tiffany Shelton (Matt) of Mankato, MN, and Cade Shelton (Gio) of West Allis, WI; siblings, Pam (Rick) Cook of Hastings, MN, Scott (Cheri) Christensen of Albert Lea, MN, Steve (Rhonda) Christensen of Ellendale, MN, and Jeff (Robin) Christensen of New Richland, MN; in-laws, Sophia (Jimmy) Davis of Eden, NC, Carter (John) Pinnix of Reidsville, NC, and Kimberlyn (David) McCollough of Springfield, TN; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Ron and Joanne Christensen; father-in-law, CS Shelton; and mother-in-law, Betty Dawn Sheckells.
The family requests memorials be made in Rhonda’s name to Martin County Humane Society in Fairmont, MN.
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