Carol Jean Shutt

Although the life of Carol Shutt was filled with numerous experiences that enriched her journey, nothing was better than sharing these things with the ones she loved. She was a hard working woman who was also generous with her time and talents, and her devotion to her community was unmatched. Carol was blessed to share much of her journey with her true love, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the grandchildren who were her greatest source of pride and joy. A humble woman, she was content in whatever life brought and faced the trials that came her way with a quiet strength and a graceful courage that are to be admired. A gift to everyone she met, Carol will never be forgotten.

The 1920s, often recalled as the Roaring Twenties, brought us some of the most exciting days we have experienced as a nation as innovation led the way to great prosperity. However, this all came to a screeching halt with the crash of the stock market on October 29, 1929, that sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression. The entire decade of the 1930s was one of great trial and tribulation, and nearly every American family felt the strain.Despite the challenges around them, Warren Patrick and Pearl (Taylor) Page were filled with great anticipation as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their baby as the beauty of spring colored the city of Loami, Illinois, in its soft hues in 1931. The big day finally arrived on May 12th when the baby girl they named Carol Jean drew her first breath. She was one of five children born to her parents and was raised in the family home alongside her brothers, Harry, Walter, Warren, and Raymond. She was a student at local schools who went on to graduate from New Berlin High School.

Carol was known for her sense of humor and her love for pulling pranks, and this started when she was just a young girl. She often had a friend who was her partner in crime when it came to her antics. One of their favorites was to take spools wrapped with string and place them by the windows of two older ladies. When they were ready, Carol and her friend pulled on them, causing the spools to smack into their windows and create all kinds of noise. The two girls loved watching the ladies jump right out of their seats with surprise! Carol and her friend were also were known to leave bags filled with surprises on the porches of various people. They loved hiding with the porches in view to witness these people discovering their surprises. In fact, the whoopee cushion prank was one that made Carol smile for the rest of her life.

New and exciting days were in store for Carol when she met the man of her dreams. His name was Billy Dean Shutt, and he was friends with her brother, Harry. They met at the swimming pool one fateful day, and the rest is history as they say. Carol was still in high school at the time, but they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Carol and Bill were united in marriage on October 16, 1949, in Loami Christian Church shortly after she graduated from high school. Together they welcomed two daughters, Karen and Nancy, into their hearts and home.

From the moment she became a mother, Carol fully immersed herself into the role. She was a constant presence in the lives of her daughters, and she loved them unconditionally. Carol was always willing to make sacrifices where her girls were concerned including the time the family dog, Ginger, took off and was not to be found until Carol got a call from someone who had found her. Since Bill was at work, she paid for a taxi to bring Ginger back home so her girls wouldnt have to wait until Bill got home and could pick her up. As a family the Shutts liked playing ping pong in the garage, and they often made homemade ice cream to enjoy together.

In addition to caring for her family, Carol also spent time working. While still living in Illinois she worked as a legal secretary, and she later worked as a secretary at Magnavox and sold jewelry for Montgomery Ward. For 14 years Carol and her husband owned and operated Wayne Photo, providing wedding photography to many of Fort Wayne's brides and grooms.

Over the years Carol was one to keep busy. She was very creative and enjoyed various arts and crafts including ceramics as well as helping her husband with his woodworking. Working in her garden that included both flowers and vegetables was also a favorite pastime, and with an appreciation for music she played the piano and also took ballroom dancing with her husband. Carol looked forward to the holidays as they were often a time to spend with family, especially at Christmas time. One year she surprised everyone with homemade stockings, which was such a special gift. A close second would certainly be Halloween as it was a day that gave Carol the perfect excuse for pulling pranks. In addition, she loved Elvis, cats, and anything purple, and when it came to her favorite foods Carol loved lasagna, ham and beans, and meatloaf.

In 2006, Carol was thrilled that her grandson, Nick, moved from California to Ft. Wayne to live with her. She took care of him and Nick cared for her as well. These were such special years for both Carol and Nick.

A kind, compassionate, and gracious woman, Carol Shutt was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She fully embraced each and every day she was given while holding her loved ones near. Carol had a contagious zest for life and a fun-loving sense of humor that drew others near with ease. She created a timeless legacy that will be proudly carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

Carol Jean Shutt, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died at 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at her home. Carols family includes her two daughters, Karen (Craig) Graves of Sumter, South Carolina and Nancy (Paul) Adams of Grand Junction, Colorado; four grandchildren, Nicholas Hart of Fort Wayne; Nathan Hart of San Diego, California; Vanessa and Lauren Graves both of Sumter, South Carolina. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill Dean Shutt; and four brothers, Harry L., Walter R., Warren T., and Raymond H. Page.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2015, at the funeral home with Chaplain Britney Sloffer officiating. Entombment and committal service will immediately follow at Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Shutt to American Parkinson Disease or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home.