Shirley Dalton

Shirley Dalton entered into the presence of her Heavenly Father and Christ Jesus her Lord on Friday, February 14, 2013 at 11:40 PM. We celebrate the beautiful life of a lady who loved unconditionally and gave unsparingly. Shirley was born on September 29, 1944 in Old Mines, Missouri one of four siblings born to the late Thomas Portell and Helen (Martin) Portell.

On March 24, 1979, Shirley was united in marriage to the love of her life, Denny Dalton, and they shared thirty three years together. They became one and will forever remain until they meet again. Denny and Shirley shared their lives together. Sickness and earthly struggles may have come, but their love for one another never failed.

Shirley and her daughter, Deanna, had a special bond. Shirley provided encouragement and support to her in setting and reaching goals not only in her education but also in life. Shirley taught her that you had to reach for those stars and it would take hard work to achieve those goals.

Deanna blessed her with four grandsons. She loved spending quality time with all of "her babies" as she called them. She spent time cuddling with and teaching Gage about Jesus. She enjoyed watching Wade serve at St. Joachim Catholic Church, where she faithfully attended with her family. She loved going to Lane's baseball games in the summer. One could always find Shirley seated behind home base cheering. She loved talking with Cole while he would sit on the side of her recliner with his arm around her. She was extremely proud of Cole's hard work ethic. Shirley's smile could light up a room with her contagious, happy spirit. She enjoyed watching Cardinal Baseball games with Denny.

Those who remain to mourn her passing are her husband Denny Dalton of Mineral Point; daughter Deanna Mercille and husband C.J. of Mineral Point; four grandchildren Cole Mercille, Lane Mercille, Wade Mercille, Gage Mercille; two sisters Virginia Pashia of Potosi; Carol Glore of Park Hills; mother in law Eurma Gene Dalton of Potosi; several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will sadly miss her. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by a brother Thomas "Pete" Portell and an infant brother Thomas Portell.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on February 18, 2013 at 11 AM at the St. Joachim Catholic Church with Father Ted Pieper and Father Richard Tillman officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Cole Mercille, Lane Mercille, Darrin Portell, Doug Short, Robbie Short, B.J. DeClue and Brian Brown. Honorary pallbearers were Wade Mercille and Gage Mercille.

Interment and final prayers were held at the St. Joachim Cemetery. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Family Funeral Home.