Gloria Morton Shell

Gloria Morton Shell, age 87 of Bolivar, passed away at 9:15 AM Saturday, April 25, 2009 at her home. She was born on October 27, 1921 in Weaubleau, MO the daughter of William Frederick Morton and Elsie Opal (Hardy) Morton. Gloria was a graduate of the Bolivar High School in 1939 and of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar. She was united in marriage to Earl Lee Shell on August 30, 1941 in Bismark, MO. The wedding was officiated by Robert L. Shell, Baptist Minister Of The Gospel and father of Earl Lee Shell and the marriage was witnessed by Nettie Maud (Long) Shell, mother of the groom and by Ida Mabel Teters. Gloria and "Shell", as she called her husband and Shell called Gloria "Pat", lived in Bolivar for many years where Shell, was in partnership with his father-in-law, Fred Morton in the Conoco Bulk Oil Distributorship. To this union one daughter was born on Gloria's birthday, Sharon Lee Shell on October 27, 1943. After retiring from the Conoco distributorship, Gloria and Shell were Shaklee Products distributors for many years in this area. In there early years of marriage, Gloria was actively involved in the Thursday Musical Club, and later the Sweet Adeline's, where she sang with the group and also in various quartets and the last quartet she sang with was the "Sho-Me Tones" with Ruth Wommack, Mary Lou Butler and Dude Harmon and after Dude moved from Bolivar, Pat Neil. They went to numerous singing events with the Bolivar Chapter under the direction of Keith Kendall all over the state of Missouri and the Midwest, winning many competitions in the group and with their quartet. In the late 60's, Gloria and Shell purchased the Lightfoot Title Company on the square in Bolivar from Baxter Lightfoot and the name was changed to Shell Title, which still goes by that name today. They owned it for several years before being purchased by Kerry Douglas in 1983. She was a longtime and faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Bolivar. Gloria was preceded in death by her father Fred Morton in 1971, her mother Opal Morton in 1981, her husband Earl Lee Shell in 1986, her brother William Hardy Morton in 1988 and her daughter, Sharon Garrison in 2006. She was affectionly known as "Nena" to her two grandchildren who survive, her Grandson Jason Norman and wife Susanne of Kansas City, MO and her great granddaughter, Macie Norman. Also her Granddaughter, Lucinda Groves and husband Jon of Nixa, MO and her great granddaughters, Samantha Groves, Jenna Groves and her great grandson, Nathan Groves. A sister-in-law, Thelma Morton of Charlotte, NC, a son-in-law Stan Garrison of Stockton, MO. Her two nephews, Marc Morton of St. Augustine, FL and Brec Morton of Kansas City, MO. Gloria's extended family also included her special friends and caregivers, Kathy Britton and Norma Ascher. Also a host of other relatives and many, many friends who will miss her greatly. Visitation for Gloria will be held on Thursday evening, April 30, 2009 from 6-7 at the Butler Funeral Home Chapel in Bolivar. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Butler Funeral Home Chapel in Bolivar with Rev. Billy Russell and Dr. Pat Baker officiating. Musical selections were Ive Just Seen Jesus, In The Presence Of The King, He Washed My Eyes With Tears, "Knowing You'll Be There" by the Gaither Vocal Band Album and Solo by Stephen Whisler singing, What Would Life Be Without Jesus. Congregational singing of To God Be The Glory Pianist will be Dr. Bill Brown. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Casketbearers will be: Jason Norman, Jon Grove, Bill Wasson, Keith Parminter, Don Ellis, Gary Lynch, Marc Morton, Brec Morton and Bill Hooper. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Gloria Morton Shell

October 27, 1921 - April 25, 2009