Shelby Wilson

Shelby Jean Benton Wilson was called home on October 17, 2025, at the age of 88. She was born on September 14, 1937, to Ruby and Barley Benton in Lumberton, NC and was one of 11 children.

She graduated high school in St. Pauls, NC where she met Bruce Russell Wilson, he served in the Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg. They married on February 16, 1957, and moved to Newcastle, WY. She worked selling Avon, waitressed at the famous Black Hills Café and retired after 37 years with Pamida/Shopko.

She was a competitive bowler, a fierce fast pitch softball pitcher, usually with kids in tow. She enjoyed playing slot machines, gardening, picnics and was a matriarch to her family.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Bruce Wilson, parents Ruby and Barley Benton, siblings Lacy Benton, HB Benton, Grady Benton, Tommy Benton, Winifred Benton, Mary Alma Dill, Janice Rushing, and Agnes Walters Harris, daughter-in-law Pat Wilson, She is survived by siblings; Bobby Benton of Lumberton, NC, Linda (Charles) McLendon of Dudly, NC, her children; Janice Heard (Joe), Danette Wilson-Ruff (Tom), Brad Wilson (Granddaughter Laysha), Steve Wilson (Nancy), 4 grandchildren: RJ Heard, Brad Heard, Chad Wilson, Cleve Wilson, 7 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephews, cousins, beloved extended family and community of friends.

There’s love in everything she does to make our lives worthwhile. We find both hope and courage in mother’s touch and all-knowing love.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Weston County Senior Center Michael’s Room. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 S. Railway Ave, Newcastle, WY 82701 or expressions of sympathy may also be made online at meridianmortuary.com