Carolyn W. Shireley

Carolyn W. Shireley, 83, of Morocco, Indiana, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2026, at the Rensselaer Care Center. She was born on December 15, 1942, in Rensselaer, Indiana.

Carolyn lived a life marked by compassion, generosity, and steady devotion to others. She graduated from Mt. Ayr High School with the Class of 1960. In her younger years, she was active in 4-H, where her talents were recognized in a special way when two of her projects were selected for the Indiana State Fair—one in sewing and one in baking. That achievement remained a point of pride and reflected gifts she would carry throughout her life.

In her working years, Carolyn served as a social worker and worked in Child Protective Services and Food Stamp issuance. Her career reflected the same qualities that defined her personally: she was compassionate, giving, hardworking, friendly, humble, quick-witted, and resilient. She approached people with care and understanding, and her work stood as an extension of her concern for families and for those in need.

Faith and service were also central to Carolyn’s life. She was an active member of Brook Methodist Church, where she lovingly cared for infants and children so that their parents could attend worship services. She also enjoyed playing dartball at the church and helping with church meals, sharing both her time and her warm presence with her church family.

Carolyn found joy in the comforts of home and in the pleasures of discovery. She was, in every sense, an original foodie who loved cooking and baking, and those who knew her understood how naturally she expressed care through food. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling, especially to the East Coast, embracing those opportunities with the same spirited nature that so many admired in her.

She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Cecilia) Shireley and Jason Shireley. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Michelle Ortiz, Joshua (Breanna) Shireley, Jacob (Heidi) Shireley, and Jonathan (Janice) Shireley, who were an important part of her family circle. Carolyn is further survived by her sister, Cheryl (Dan) Witty; her niece, Jennifer; and her nephew, Keith. She will be remembered with love by her family and by all who were touched by her kindness, humor, and enduring strength.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dale Weston, and her mother, Esther (Shriver) Weston.

Carolyn’s life was one of quiet dedication, faithful service, and genuine warmth. Her memory will remain a blessing to those who knew her.

No services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements.