SHELBY JEAN BENTON WILSON

Sept. 14, 1937–Oct. 17, 2025

Shelby Jean Benton Wilson was called home on Oct. 17, 2025, at the age of 88. 

She was born on Sept. 14, 1937, to Ruby and Barley Benton in Lumberton, North Carolina, and was one of 11 children. 

She graduated high school in St. Pauls, North Carolina, where she met Bruce Russell Wilson, he served in the Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg. They married on Feb. 16, 1957, and moved to Newcastle, Wyoming. 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; and daughter-in-law, Pat Wilson.

She is survived by siblings, Bobby Benton of Lumberton, Linda (Charles) McLendon of Dudly, North Carolina; her children, Janice Heard, Danette Wilson-Ruff (Tom), Brad Wilson, and Steve Wilson (Nancy); four grandchildren, RJ Heard, Brad Heard, Chad Wilson, and Cleve Wilson; seven great-grandchildren, and two
great-great-grandchildren. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephews, cousins, 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 Satur-
day, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. at Weston County Senior Services center. 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.