Diane Ryan Shelton

Diane Ryan Shelton of Danville, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at Carilion Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. Born June 23, 1954, she was the oldest daughter of the late John C. Ryan, Jr. and the late Ella Frances Hardie Ryan of Danville. In 2004, she married Albert Kent Shelton, Jr., who survives. Their marriage and blended families would bring them many happy years together. Diane was educated in the Danville Public Schools and received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Averett College. She taught kindergarten for 30 years in the same classroom at G.L.H. Johnson Elementary School. She always said listening to a child reading for the first time was her most rewarding experience as a teacher. Diane grew up and was baptized in the former Keen Street Baptist Church and was an active member in the choir and in its children’s ministries. She later became a member of First Presbyterian Church of Danville, where she enjoyed volunteering in the nursery. She loved playing handbells, singing in the Sanctuary Choir and sharing Wednesday night suppers with family and friends. Her faith was strong and never wavered throughout the many challenges she faced. Diane was a member of The Wednesday Club and served as the Chair of the Yearbook Distribution Committee. She was a former member of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma as well as the Ladies Golf League of Tuscarora Country Club. She co-chaired the Nine Hole League until her health prevented her from playing. Diane loved people. She loved music. She loved to dance. Her favorite song was Mustang Sally and was the first onto the dance floor whenever she heard it played. Moreover, Diane loved to visit with people. As a child, her mother repeatedly warned her to never talk to strangers, but Diane never met one. She always managed to find a connection with everyone, from wait staff to a flight companion. She had the gift of lighting up a room with her smile and her conversation. Family meant everything to Diane which included relatives and precious friends. She is survived by her twin sons, Andrew Lee Gardner (Danielle) of Graham, NC and Phillip Ryan Gardner of Danville. She is also survived by her sister, best friend and partner-in-crime, Kimberly Ryan Clifton (Robert) of Danville. Often called Lucy and Ethel, together they shared a room from childhood and adventures for a lifetime. Additionally, Diane leaves behind her stepchildren, Dr. Ashley Shelton Morgan (Seth) of Bethesda, MD and George Franklin Shelton (Amanda) of Greensboro, NC as well as a sister-in-law, Sarah Shelton Hostetter of Forest, VA. Together with Kent, the following grandchildren are left to share her memory: Shaffer Kent Shelton, Addison Elizabeth Shelton, Mason Andrew Shelton of Greensboro; Neva Lorraine Morgan, Amelia Katherine Morgan of Bethesda; Jason Michael Reissman and Elizabeth Michelle Reissman of Graham. She is also survived by her aunt “Boots” Ryan of Danville and many cousins and their families throughout the country: Rev. Dr. H. Bryant Wilbourne (Jackie) of Greensboro, NC; Karen Hall (Chris Walker) of Orlando, FL, Barbara Hall of NYC and Ojai, CA; Dale Sparks and Donna Henderson (L.W.) of Halifax; Waine Ryan (Toni) and Gary Ryan (Nancy) of Danville. She was predeceased by many aunts and uncles as well as her brother-in-law, Ernie Hostetter and her cousins, Denise Monette and Scott Adams. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the charity of your choice or to First Presbyterian Church of Danville (937 Main St, Danville, VA 24541). Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Danville with the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Broschart and the Rev. Dr. H. Bryant Wilbourne officiating. Interment to follow at Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church and at other times at the home, 201 Cathy Drive. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main is respectfully serving the Shelton family.

Diane Ryan Shelton

June 23, 1954 - August 1, 2023