Karla A.( Preston) Shelton, age 52 of Ozark, MO formerly of Greenfield, MO passed into the presence of God Saturday, September 21, 2013. She was born June 6, 1961in Carthage, MO to James (Jim) and Marilyn Preston. Karla graduated from Greenfield High School then married Phil Shelton December 7, 1979. They later moved to Kansas City then to Ozark where they began Regal Construction and Home Center. In 2000 she went to work for Ozark Veterinary Clinic as a tech then later as a receptionist. She was a long time member of First Baptist in Ozark and found some of her greatest joy in serving in the Music Ministry, VBS, Prison Ministry, Mission Teams and teaching her beloved Ladies Sunday School class. If she could serve with singing, she found it and loved doing it. She sang in many groups in church and made her life-long friends in those groups. Her favorite time was time spent with family and wonderful friends in God’s creation. She had a heart for serving and a hunger for God’s word. Karla is preceded in death by her father Jim, father- in- law Gale Clinton, and step-son Greg Shelton. In addition to her husband, Karla is survived by her mother and step-father Marilyn and Richard Manley, mother- in- law Clara Lee Clinton, daughter Lacey Shelton, son Luke Shelton and fiancé Lauren Spence, step-son Jeff Shelton and wife Darci, two brothers Brad and Brandon Preston and wife Nikki, one sister Darla Nelson and husband Phil, step-siblings Bill Manley and wife Gail and Debra Younger and husband Roger along with many nieces and nephews: Kayla Preston, Seth Preston, Blake Durnell, Jordan Durnell, Katilyn O’ Conner, Layne Preston, Ellie Jo Preston, Bryan Harris, Traci Harris, Lonnie Shelton, Anna Bledsoe, and Alayna Bledsoe. Karla also treasured the granddaughter of her heart, Jovia Highfill. Funeral services for Karla will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2013 in First Baptist Church of Ozark, 1400 W. Jackson Street, Ozark, MO 65721. Visitation will be held Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the church. Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 27, 2013 in Roberts Cemetery. Family request memorials in honor of Karla to First Baptist Church Building Fund or Hospice Compassus, 1465 E. Primrose, Springfield, MO 65804. Arrangements under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. On line condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
Condolences(20)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Jamee O.D. Matthews
Next Brenda Sue Smith
Sheri and Ray Weter says
September 22, 2013 at 2:24 pmOur thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lacey, I have fond memories of visiting with Karla at your and Erin’s ball games. She was a lovely lady.
Ralph and Lisa Phillips says
September 22, 2013 at 5:04 pmPhil,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless
Lisa and Ralph Phillips
Scott and Tracey Bradley says
September 23, 2013 at 6:40 amHeaven has received a new Angel with Karla. How do you put in words how wonderful and great a person is on this earth? We have tried to do just that and cannot. We are sure she is singing up a storm in heaven! When we think of Karla and the rest of the family we think of the strongest Christian family we have ever known. We will continue to pray many times during the day for all of you! So thankful to have know the Shelton family. We will see Karla again, sooner than we all realize! Scott and Tracey
Marsha Patochek says
September 23, 2013 at 9:51 amPlease accept my heartfelt sympathy to all the Shelton Family in this time of sadness. This is especially for Lacey and Luke. You both are the best people I know and your mom was a big part of that. God Bless and comfort you in this time of such great loss.
Marsha Patochek
Loyd & Connie Todd says
September 23, 2013 at 11:28 amWe are deeply saddened to read of Karla’s passing, but we rejoice that she has arrived at her eternal, Heavenly home, freed of all pain and suffering. When we first met her (1985 +/-), we thought, “Wow, what a sweet, smart, beautiful, young lady.” We later learned of her incredible musical talent and her devotion to the Lord and His Church. And all these years later, she retained all those wonderful attributes, and more. She was loved and admired by so many in the community.
Phil, we very much regret we won’t be able to attend Karla’s services on Thursday evening, but we’ll be in touch with you, soon. Please know we’re praying for you and your family, and will continue to do so during the months ahead. With sincerest sympathies to you and yours.
Richard & Tammy McMasters says
September 23, 2013 at 11:52 amPhil and family,
Just wanted you to know you are in our prayers. What a time Karla is having with family & friends that have gone on before her. We that remain here carry on. May God bless, comfort and give peace to your family.
Richard & Tammy
Ed & Carolyn Beck says
September 23, 2013 at 8:38 pmPrayers for your family at this time of sorrow for each of you. Karla was a lovely, beautiful Christian young woman who I am sure is celebrating with her loved ones already in Heaven.
Love & prayers,
Ed & Carolyn Beck
Rick/Shirley Lamb says
September 24, 2013 at 6:23 amSo sorry for your loss; We will miss her beautiful voice but know she is singing in Heaven. So sorry we cannot be there as we are out west visiting our son.
Ron & Mary Snow says
September 24, 2013 at 7:29 amOur heartfelt condolence’s go out to Karla’s Family. She is now home with our Lord and is at peace. We will always remember her for all that she has done for First Baptist Church Ozark, and her beautiful voice she praised God with as well as shared with us.
Ron & Mary Snow
Tom &Barb Hayes says
September 24, 2013 at 7:41 amShe will be greatly missed. We loved her very much
Bill & Amy Eskes says
September 24, 2013 at 9:06 amWe knew Karla from the vet clinic. She was a very friendly and caring person. We are so sorry for your loss. She will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Sharon Hook Corbett says
September 24, 2013 at 10:21 amPhil and family, I am saddened by the passing of Karla only for those who are left here missing her. She is with the Lord and singing with the angels a song of redemption they do not know. I remember those early years at FBCO and how she first came to sing and play her guitar at church. The twinkle in her eyes as she began her work there. Wonderful memories of Lacy and her proud parents and later Luke. Karla touched a lot of lives just by letting the Lord shine through her. The best is yet to come so my prayers are with you and all who feel the void she left to answer her Lord’s call. Sharon Hook Corbett
Daryl Huchteman says
September 25, 2013 at 12:04 pmKarla was a special person and a great friend. I remember all those coyote hunts we went to when we were young and the fun we had!! When we were in High School, we had that special group of friends that were always doing something together!! I will never forget all those sledding parties!! Memories forever!! She was way to young to be called home, but she is in a much better place and is pain free!! I know a couple of people in heaven that will be glad to chase coyotes with her again!!
Beth Hultz says
September 25, 2013 at 12:22 pmKarla was a such an example of Christ. She will be dearly missed on earth, but happy God has perfectly healed her. Our prayers will continue to be with her family. God touched our lives by allowing us to know Karla!!!
Peggy Hibbs says
September 25, 2013 at 7:52 pmSo sorry to hear of this news and I am sure praying for all! She was a very kind lady and hard worker and took care of all my animals. She will be missed and Hugs to all at Ozark Veterinary Clinic! My heart breaks for you all!!
Rick & Michelle Snow says
September 26, 2013 at 2:19 pmWe are very sorry for your loss. We loved Karla so much & she will always be in our hearts. She will truly be missed! May God give you strength, comfort, & courage during this time & the days ahead & may you know & feel His presence at all times. We love you!
Tammy Rudick says
September 26, 2013 at 2:52 pmPhil and family,
I could not tell Karla all that I wanted to when we came to see you. So I would like you to know how much Karla has touched my life just to have known her for the last 13 years. Working with her has always been a pleasure she always had a smile on her face even when she was struggling in the past few years. I saw what I would consider the closest family and a family that never lost their faith in God. Karla has been an inspiration to me and I am sure to many others.
The Angels in heaven sound so much better with her there. I will miss her greatly, but as everyone has been saying we will see her again.
I know I do not need to tell you to cherish all your memories of Karla because she will always be cherished by everyone who knew her
she will always have a special place in my heart. Lots of love and prayers. Tammy
Cindi Darling says
September 27, 2013 at 6:48 amPhil and family. I was saddened to learn of Karla’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of such a young vibrant person.
Jennifer Wheeler says
October 2, 2013 at 8:22 amI often said that if Karla were to stand tall with her arms spread out, god’s word would be dripping off her entire body. I started going to church at First Baptist of Ozark and was lucky to be placed in her Sunday school class. I looked forward to each Sunday so that I could share time with her. Karla was the kind of person who is so amazing without knowing how great she was. I don’t think I’ll meet another person like her. I pray her family is able to grieve and not get “stuck” in her passing. I also pray for her longtime friends that they one day can smile and feel no pain. I loved Karla in that special way of mentor or something similar. I will see you again Karla when The Lord calls me to join that wonderful place called heaven.
Jennifer Wheeler
Ozark Mo
Suzanne Douglas says
October 21, 2013 at 6:41 amI was so shocked to hear about Karla today at the vet office. I’ve known Karla for about 20 years, and I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone so genuine and loving as her. No matter what the location (church, vet’s office, or on the street)she was always smiling and cheerful. She was so positive, even the last time that I saw her, that I had no idea how bad her illness was. I know she is now in a wonderful place, and they are lucky to have her. Please know that I am praying for you all in this hard time.
Our Location
1700 South 15th Avenue
P.O. Box 796
Ozark, Missouri 65721
Contact Us
Phone: (417) 581-7811
Fax: (417) 581-7911
Follow Us!
All Rights Reserved