SPRINGFIELD – Yvonne Rene Shelton, 63, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at her home.

She was born at Great Lakes Naval Hospital on March 5, 1963, to Glenn H. "Skip" and Linda L. (Moffitt) Cox. She married Douglas "Dug" Shelton on August 25, 1979, at the Witt Methodist Church. Rene was preceded in death by her father; and her grandparents, Wayne and Ruby Moffitt, Harold Cox and Alma Cox Sarsany.

Rene was a hairstylist for over 25 years. She was a member of Miss Illinois and Miss America for over 20 years and was a parishioner of St. Agnes Catholic Church. Rene was the creator/director of Miss Capitol City, Miss Independence and Miss Land of Lincoln Scholarship Programs. She had a passion for coaching and mentoring "her pageant girls." Rene loved being involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Dug; sons, Josh (Genny) Shelton and Chance (Miranda) Shelton; grandchildren, Zane Shelton, Zachary Shelton, Milo Shelton and Evelyn Jane Rene Shelton; mother, Linda Cox; brothers, Glenn H. "Skip" (Lynn) Cox II and Pastor Jerry (Tobi) Cox; sister, Deborah Dyer; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1 until 4 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home. Additional visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Witt Lions Club, with Pastor Jerry Cox officiating. Burial will follow in St. Barbara Cemetery in Witt.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Sacred Heart-Griffin High School Athletic Program, American Heart Association or charity of the donor's choice.