Carol E. Shelden

December 11, 1930 - October 27, 2020

Carol Elaine (Smith) Shelden, 89, of Traverse City passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. Carol was born on December 11, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Walter and Agnes (Conway) Smith. She met her husband, Gerry, while attending The Ohio State University. They were married for 59 years until Gerry’s passing in 2012. Together they raised five loving children. Carol traveled the world as the wife of a diplomat; living in Paris, France; London, England; Monrovia, Liberia; Seoul, South Korea; and Athens, Greece; entertaining and hosting dignitaries and friends. She visited many countries and had the opportunity to meet her mother’s family in Belfast, Northern Ireland. For all those who knew Carol, she was a lover of life. She was always smiling and laughing. She was called “giggles” in grade school for a reason. Sometimes, she would laugh, for no apparent reason, she was simply happy and found humor in almost everything. Carol was a giver. She went out of her way to make friends, and make people feel special and loved. She was always ready to help in any way she might be needed. She had the biggest heart of gold; a truly genuine person. Everyone who knew her, loved her. Carol was an avid reader, always trading books with friends and family. She was also a talented artist, a gift she inherited from her father. She also enjoyed quilting and knitting as well as seeing the wonderful sights around Michigan. She was a member of the Sutton's Bay Congregational church for many years. Carol dearly loved her family, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she never missed a birthday or an opportunity to host a gathering. She loved to socialize with her friends and neighbors by attending the weekly restaurant tours and local pot luck dinners. Carol is survived by her five loving children; Mark (Sherry) Shelden, Eric (Carla) Shelden, Brian (Lily) Shelden, Kristin (Warren) Baumann and Laura (Michael) Zavadil. Also surviving are 12 beloved grandchildren; Dan (Elizabeth), Jason (Brittni), Luke (Bethany), Sara (Alex), Ashley, Briana (Bashir), Kyna, Aja, Nathan, Zachary, Matthew and Samantha as well as nine great-grandchildren; Callie, Owen, Eden, Knoxly, Beck, Rowin, Jude, Hattie and Basil. Also, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter; Ella Rae Stewart and two brothers; Conway Smith and Richard Smith. Friends are welcome to visit with Carol’s family from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Facial coverings and social distancing will be required. Carol’s family invite you to join them via a public virtual webcasting of her memorial service at www.rjfh.tv, at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2020. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to WCMU Public Media, 1999 East Campus Drive, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859 or Leelanau Christian Neighbors, PO Box 196, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Carol’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.