Shelby Jane Orten, age 84, of Johnson City, Tennessee, transitioned peacefully from this earthly plane on Friday, March 24, 2023, at her home in Johnson City, Tenn.

Shelby was born November 22, 1938, in Washington County, Tenn., to Roy and Gladys King.

She grew up in Johnson City, Tenn., and lived in Sandy Hook more than 40 years, returning home to Tennessee after the passing of her husband, Claude Orten in 1999. She was a founding member of Newtown Bible Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and backyard Bible clubs. Blessed with a talent for music, she loved to play the guitar and sing. She wrote songs and poetry and was honored in 2000 by the International Poetry Society for her poem “Leave the Rest Behind.” She was an avid reader and enjoyed painting, making jewelry, doll making, embroidery, crochet, thrifting, and going to yard sales. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Shelby was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; daughter, Shelby Papp; grandson, Fred Papp, and granddaughters, Angela Papp and Jessica Papp; as well as her brothers, Buford King and wife Anna, Bill King and wife Ollie, Andrew “Buddy” King, and Doug King; sister, Joanne Avada Ginley; and brother-in-law Robert Ginley.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Sheila Nolder, of the home; son-in-law, Robert Nolder, of Florida; brother Lytle “Dean” King and wife Linda; sisters-in-law Janice King and Pat King; and many nieces and nephews.

At Shelby’s request, a funeral will not be held. An intimate celebration of her life is planned for the future.

The family wishes to thank Alzheimer’s Tennessee for their encouragement and helpful resources as well as the Gentiva Hospice staff for walking alongside the family on the journey. Special thanks also to her private caregivers for their excellent loving care.

‘Leave The Rest Behind’

Where does the sunshine go as the day begins to close? Does it shine somewhere else? I guess that no one knows. Where do the birds go when it’s dark? To trees, or on the ground? I just know you’ll find them singing when the sun again comes ‘round. The answers to these questions are not easy ones to find, so enjoy the sunshine and the birds, and leave the rest behind.

A little child may ask you, “Where does the water flow? Does it turn to nothing, or to the ocean go?” I know these seem like mysteries and sometimes bog our minds; enjoy the beauty that you see and leave the rest behind.

The road of life we travel will one day come to an end, so enjoy every day you have, around each curve and bend. And when our Savior calls for us, the straight road we will find. Walk with Him down the road ‘til then, and leave the rest behind.

Shelby Orten — 3/30/2000

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Tennessee at alztennessee.org.

Arrangements, especially for Mrs Shelby Jane Orten and her family, have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 East Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN (423-282-2631).