Wendy L Shelton

Wendy L. Shelton, 59, of Tijeras, New Mexico, peacefully passed away at home on January 27, 2025. Born in Iowa City, Iowa, in 1965 to Linda Mitchell (Moore) and Melvin Widner, Wendy's love for the mountains blossomed when her family relocated to the East Mountains in 1972. She embraced her identity as a Mountain kid, attending San Antonito Elementary, A. Montoya Elementary and Roosevelt Middle School, before graduating from Manzano High School in 1984, where she proudly contributed to the girls' state track championship as a natural athlete.

Wendy earned her degree from the University of New Mexico in 1994 and devoted a decade to teaching special education at Albuquerque Public Schools. She later enjoyed a fulfilling 20-year career at Sandia National Laboratories. A passionate advocate for horses, she actively volunteered with the Maslena Rescue Foundation, a horse sanctuary, and contributed to mitochondrial disease research, supporting advancements in medical science.

Wendy's greatest joy came from nurturing loving, meaningful relationships with her children and grandchildren. She dedicated her free time to being present for her family, whether attending sporting events, performances, parties, babysitting, enjoying horseback rides, or simply going for a drive. Her children and grandchildren were always her greatest pride.

Wendy is survived by her loving husband, Mitch; daughter, Alisha; son, Joe and wife Jessie; son, Tyler and wife Nicole; grandchildren, Adyson, Jaden, Aidan, Todd, and Andie; mother, Linda; father, Melvin; stepfather, Mitch; and her siblings, Shawn, Rob’e, Mara, Charlie, and Melissa.

A memorial service will be held in Wendy's honor on February 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the UNM Alumni Chapel, officiated by Grace Robinson, Minister

Memorial Service streaming link: available February 15th, from 2 PM - 3 PM Mountain Standard Time https://youtube.com/live/zFLr6g80ZrI?feature=share

Celebration of Life streaming link: available February 15th, from 3 PM - 6 PM Mountain Standard Time https://www.youtube.com/live/fQL4Gx7x-xg

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation in memorial of Wendy Shelton via the UMDF General Donation Page. Donate to UMDF General Donation Page