KATHRYN SHELTON Obituary

I know this is unusual, but no one knows what I feel better than myself. I have had a wonderful life. My parents, Helen and George Marantos, raised my twin sister, Christine and I in a loving and Greek traditional way. My grandparents lived down the block and my uncle, aunt and cousins lived next door. Our home was on E. 21st St between Baker St. & Union Ave., which is now called International Village, All of the neighborhood kids we knew were the Haddads, the Salazars, the Kuwaharas and the Uhalts.
I have the sweetest twin sister, Christine Hill, who I have loved since before we were born. I have "actual" cousins and my "Greek" cousins, the Valos and the Antonaros. All of our "cousins" were my best friends. We had great experiences growing up in a culture environment. One such experience was going to Greek School after our regular school to learn, read and write Greek. Our poor priest, Father John, taught us and we gave him a difficult time.
My son, Daniel George Shelton, is wonderful. I have always cherished him and he has matured into a fine young man. I love my nephew, Nicholas Hill, as if he is my own son. He also has matured into a wonderful young man. My brother-in-law, Ken Hill, is like my real brother. I was lucky when my sister married him.
I was fortunate to have been close to both sets of grandparents. My parents made sure we knew the Greek history of both sides of our family. I have always been close to my cousins, Mary Ann & Ted Polyzos (Castro Valley), Paul & Linda Angelos (Orange County), Rick & Dante Angelos (San Pedro), Nick & Florence Marantos (Bakersfield), Lisa Marantos (Santa Monica), Tom Marantos & partner Rafael (Pasadena), Jeanette Marantos Smith & Steve Smith (Riverside) and Alexis Marantos & Charlie Ware (Riverside).
My parents preceded me in death. I know I will see them, along with my grandparents and my cousins Nicky Allen, Chupa and Frankie Marantos. My father George was a gentle man and my mother Helen was always a lady.
I want to thank my friends who have helped me on this journey. Thank you so much for caring. I also want to thank my son, Danny and sister, Christine for all of their love and support. This has been difficult for them but they have been wonderful.
Just a little known fact, my favorite songs are "I am, I said" by Neil Diamond and "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra.
I'm happy and thankful I was able to live my life the way I did. Being surrounded by my family, my good friends and my Greek culture made my life so special to me. I am looking forward to seeing the people I love who are waiting to greet me.
Written by Kathryn Shelton. August, 2015
Thank you to the staff on the 4th floor of Mercy Hospital (Downtown) for their care. A special thank you to Liz Rogers and the Rehabilitation Center of Bakersfield for their caring and comfort of Kathryn.
If you wish to make a donation in Kathryn's name to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Kathryn will be honored.
Trisagion services will be held Thursday, September 1st at 7:00pm. We invite all of Kathryn's family and friends to attend. As per Kathryn's wishes, a private funeral service is planned for Friday, September 2nd at 10:00am. Both services will take place at St. George Greek Orthodox Church (Bakersfield, CA).

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Aug. 30, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for KATHRYN SHELTON

Not sure what to say?





Missing my beautiful friend as it's been almost a year that we said good-bye. This week marks a year you began your journey to an everlasting life.
Remembering the great memories of your love, patience, humor, wise advice, intelligence and beauty among many good times shared with friends and family.
You are still a bright star in my universe and a day doesn't go by I don't think about you.
God bless you in heaven with your loved ones. Until we meet again, dear friend.
Love you, Cyn

Cynthia Anderson

August 7, 2017

Kathy & Christine were my very first friends when we moved to 21st. Street in Bakersfield when I was 9 yrs old. I got to be included in that Greek circle for a little bit. My so called, "claim to fame" was when Kathy asked her grandmother to take out her glass eye & show me. Many times, in raising my own children, I got to say yes, I knew somebody that had a glass eye, no, they couldn't see out of it, yes, it looked real, no she didn't walk into walls.
One more unforgettable memory was going on a double date with Kathy. My date spent the entire night hanging over the seat talking to Kathryn. He was obviously so smitten with her that everything she said was either hilarious, intelligent or cute. When he walked me to my door & asked me for another date, he even asked if we could double date again. Nope, but no hard feelings. Everyone loved Kathy. She also was my sex education teacher, way before high school. I was really worried that i might be pregnant. My uncle kissed me & my cousin goodbye. On the lips. Thats's how i thought you got pregnant. Kathy laughed & reassured me that wasn't the way. You have to actually go to sleep in the same bed. All night. Don't really know why i thought she knew. We were the same age. I just knew her & Christine were smarter than the rest of us.
Hate to hear that she had been sick. Surprised about Frank Sinatra & Neil Diamond.
I knew all those people couldn't all be blood cousins.
Love that she loved her childhood.
Hope she knew how many lives she touched just by being in them.

Linda Eggenberg

November 13, 2016

To my sweet sister Kathryn,
I love you so much. I think about you every
minute of everyday. We had a beautiful life
together. Danny and I miss you very much and
will forever hold you in our hearts.
Love, Christine

Christine Marantos Hill

October 8, 2016

May you make it home safely, Nouna. In my mind, you're a many-winged angel looking out for me and smiling, I hope. I'm going to come to you with so many stories. I love and miss you so much.

Nicholas Goodwin

September 22, 2016

Miss you so much, my dear friend....still hard to believe the day came that you had to leave. You are treasured by so many. My heart with you and your family. God blessed you on your journey home.....Love you, Cyn

Cynthia Anderson

September 6, 2016

I worked with Kathy at Bakersfield Home Health about 25 years ago and have such nice memories about that time. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Steffi Andelfinger - Bales

September 2, 2016

Dear friends and family of Kathy Marantos- I had not seen Kathy since high school. My friend, Robert Haddad sent me the beautiful message Katherine sent to her dear friends and family anticipating her passing . I was very touched how grateful she was for her life, and all the people who made it so special for her. I send healing, loving thoughts to all of you as we are experiencing all that life has to offer. Be well, Shelley Johnson Boutacoff

Shelley Johnson

August 31, 2016

JT

August 30, 2016

The question at the right asks, "What will you miss most about Kathryn?" Her laugh - and her knack for making me laugh. She had some great stories (e.g. the Neil Diamond escapade, the presidential limo encounter, etc.) She said she loved elephants and cherry blossoms - ditto.
Our cousin Kathryn was a "good egg." I hope you're having a nice lunch with Thealanie and Uncle George! Bon voyage, Lisa Marantos

August 30, 2016

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in KATHRYN SHELTON's name

Memorial Events
for KATHRYN SHELTON

Sep

1

Service

7:00 p.m.

St. George Greek Orthodox Church

Bakersfield, CA

How to support KATHRYN's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor KATHRYN SHELTON's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more