Shannon Elizabeth Lynn Aten

In Loving Memory of
Shannon Elizabeth Lynn Aten
February 3, 1952 – March 7, 2026

Shannon Elizabeth Lynn Aten passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 74, surrounded by the love of her family after a long and courageous battle with illness.

Shannon was born on February 3, 1952, in New Mexico and was raised in Chowchilla, California. She married young and welcomed four children into her life while working as a beautician.

She later met Arthur Aten at a square dance, and the two soon married. Arthur had a son prior to their marriage. Together they built a life centered around family and raising their children. They lived for many years in Madera, California, where they welcomed their son Robert.

Determined and driven, Shannon returned to school and earned her Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) degree, graduating as valedictorian of her nursing class. She loved caring for others and was proud to be among the first nurses to help open Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, California. Her dedication to nursing inspired her oldest daughter, Kimberly, who proudly followed in her mother’s footsteps and recently became a Licensed Vocational Nurse as well.

Shannon and Arthur later moved to Crescent City, California, where they built their dream home among the redwoods near the ocean she loved so much. During that time they adopted their daughter Fayth.

Shannon was a true Jill of all trades. She was an amazing cook, loved deep sea fishing, and if she didn’t know how to do something she would learn and master it. She also had a special love for Tiffany lamps and built a beautiful collection over the years.

She loved animals, especially her dog Lil Man, who often accompanied her around town and was known by name at local restaurants and shops.

Shannon was also blessed with a lifelong friendship with Susan Stjerne, her best friend and “sister by choice” of more than 40 years. Susan remained a constant source of love, laughter, and support throughout Shannon’s life and was deeply cherished by Shannon and her family.

Shannon also enjoyed trips to the casino, especially Lucky 7 Casino. Some of her favorite memories were going with her daughters Lisa and Fayth and her granddaughters Jadelyn and Katelyn. Her favorite slot machine was the Panda machine, and she had an uncanny ability to sense which one would pay out—more often than not she was right.

She was preceded in death by her son Jeff Thornton, grandson Cody Thornton, and granddaughter Kya Thornton-Aguirre.

Shannon is survived by her husband Arthur Aten; stepson Art Aten and wife Ambur of Battle Mountain, Nevada; her children Kimberly Fraser and husband Patrick Fraser of North Fork, California; Lisa Thornton-Turner and husband Steven Turner of Bakersfield, California; Melissa Thornton of Bakersfield, California; Robert Aten, United States Air Force veteran, of Greenville, South Carolina; and Fayth Aten of Arizona.

Together Shannon and Arthur were blessed with 21 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hoffmann Hospice for the compassion and care they provided during Shannon’s final days.

Shannon will be remembered for her strength, warmth, humor, and the deep love she had for her family.

Like the lighthouse she loved so much, her love will continue to guide us home.
I love you more, Mom.