Services set for Carol Shearer Shaw, Indianola

Carol was born May 12 1934 in Peru Iowa to Clyde Shearer and mother Zella. She was the youngest of four children: Brother Sherl and sisters Marilyn and Dawn.  Carol graduated from Winterset High School and earned an associate’s degree in Education from Simpson College, where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, later serving on the chapter’s Alumnae Board as Ritual Director.  After graduation she literally walked across the street from Simpson and was hired to teach 2^nd grade at Irving Elementary in Indianola.  Carol attended several colleges before moving to Topeka, Kansas where she would earn her bachelor’s degree from Washburn University.  It was in Topeka that Carol met her future husband, Loren, and after just six months of dating they were married on June 29, 1958.  They were married for more than 62 years.

Carol and Loren’s union was blessed with three sons, making homes in Topeka, Waterloo, Iowa, and Overland Park, Kansas before moving to Indianola in 1977.  Having a life-long passion for education, Carol was a long-time member of PEO and served as director of Christian education at Waterloo First United Methodist Church in Waterloo Iowa, then Indian Hills UMC in Overland Park KS and Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Indianola, Iowa.  She finished up her career as a social worker at The Village in Indianola Iowa, where she resided her last four years of life.  

Carol loved the Lord and remained active in her faith.  She and Loren developed deep friendships at Trinity United Presbyterian Church through activities with MacAllister Clan, Presbyterian Women, and her service as both an Elder and a Deacon at Trinity.  Carol had a beautiful alto voice and sang in many church choirs at Trinity and beyond.  Truly, Carol loved people and she kept in touch with many friends far and wide. She had a gentle nature but could get quite fiery if she thought there was a wrong to be corrected.  Her family was especially important to her, a trait that will make her be missed all the more.  She was well loved and left her world a better place for having been in it. 

Carol is survived by her sister Dawn and her brother-in-law DeVerne; her three sons: Scott (Sharon) Shaw of Brentwood, TN; Dr. Mark (Cindy) Shaw of Thompsons Station, TN; and Dr. Kelly (Shari) Shaw of Indianola, IA; cherished grandchildren Dr. Aaron, Nathan (Dawn), Christopher (Tyler), Jonathon, Annika and Elyse Shaw; and two great grandchildren Sawyer James and Natalie Jade Shaw.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews too numerous to list whom she loved like her own children. 

Memorial contributions celebrating the advancement of women through education may be made to: P.E.O. Chapter N.G., c/o Kayla Reese, Treasurer, 600 W. Scenic Valley Place, Indianola, IA 50125.  Memorial contributions will be forwarded to Cottey College to support their educational mission.