Shirley LaVon Carlton, 84, passed away peacefully February 10, 2022, at Hospice House in Hutchinson. She was born June 1, 1937, in Hutchinson, to Chester "Chet" and Mildred (Munshower) Hill.

Shirley was an incredible cook and canner. If there was a family gathering you knew that she was going to bring her famous baked beans, and delicious apple pie. In her early years, she was a huge supporter of MDA and frequently volunteered at their events. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and journaling every sermon, thought and daily event that was important to her. Throughout her years she was a loving caregiver to her sons and husband, and openly cared for many others. Many know that she was a Pepsi loving, beauty shop going, angel collecting, feisty wife, mother and grandmother. Many will miss her long talks on the phone, her caring concern for those who travel daily for work, her many stories of her life and family. The last three years of her life have been filled with so much joy due to the friends that she has made at Washington Heights. You ladies changed her life and filled it with so much joy.

Shirley was the loving mother of Byron and Randy. On February 16, 1973, she married the love of her life Teddy James Carlton at the First Christian Church, in Hutchinson.

Shirley is survived by: her sister, Shirley Carlton, Texas; foster son, Robert (Karla) Cruz, Hutchinson; foster daughter, Rhoda (Mark) Kretzer, Hutchinson; grandchildren, Naisha (Travis) Miller, Hutchinson, Jordan (Lexee) Cruz, Lawrence, Cole (Shayla) Cruz, Hutchinson, Crystal Persinger (Carbondale), Carla Blochliner (Concordia); and great-grandchildren, Nixon, Haven, Conlee, Autumn, Sky, Trent, Trevor, Tora, Mara, and Lane. She is also survived by her wonderful Carlton family in Texas and Hutchinson.

She is preceded in death by: her sons, Byron Franz, Randy Carlton; husband, Ted Carlton; and parents.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday, February 14, 2022, at Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday with family present from 2 to 4 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.