Carolyn Jo (Baker) Shinabarger

Carolyn Jo (Baker) Shinabarger, 86, peacefully passed to her eternal home Feb. 19, 2023, after experiencing a few years of declining health. Carolyn was born Aug. 26, 1936, to Elmer and Frances Baker in Anderson. Several years of her childhood were lived in Englewood, CA. Along with her parents, and sister Phyllis, Carolyn learned to love camping and visiting national parks. In 1948 the family returned to Anderson and Carolyn was proud to graduate as an Anderson “Indian” in 1955. While working as a waitress at the Chick Inn, she was befriended by a handsome, hardworking young man Gene (Glen Eugene) Shinabarger. Soon they were united in marriage and moved to Ft. Hood, TX where their first son, Curt (Curtis) was born. After completing Gene’s service obligations, they returned to Anderson. In the following years, Mark and then Susan were born. Carolyn was a proud “wifey” for 65 years and cherished her family. Carolyn was an amazing homemaker; well-organized, efficient, and industrious. Her children were taught the importance of Christian faith, truthfulness, reliability, and serving others through her example. (For 10,878 hours, over many years, she volunteered at St. John’s Hospital as the hostess in surgical hospitality.) Valuing education, Carolyn encouraged her children to apply their best efforts. Her home was a place of order, routine, attention to detail, and love. She was a good steward of produce from their large garden and was frugal with their finances, frequently coupon clipping. Camping while visiting natural wonders and historical sights remained a love of hers. In her free time, Carolyn might be found visiting family members, playing Rook or Euchre, reading, or doing handiwork. Carolyn was also disciplined in Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance. For years she served in the church as the Treasurer or teaching children. At death, she was a member of First Baptist. It was important to her that her children knew Christ as their personal Savior. Carolyn will be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Frances Baker, her husband, Gene Shinabarger, and her granddaughter, Rebekah Shinabarger. She is survived by her sister, Phyllis Newton; her children, Dr. Curt (Nancy), Mark, Susan (Derrick) Woolf; her grandchildren Rachel, Nathan (Shannon), Noah (Carol), Elizabeth (Grant) Trautman, and Emma Woolf, and two great-grandchildren Charlie and James Shinabarger. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10, from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 W. 53rd Street, Anderson. Funeral services will be on Saturday, March 11, at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church, 907 North Raible Avenue, Anderson, with visitation from 10:30 A.M. until service time. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery. If desired, contributions can be given to First Baptist Church. Condolences may be shared with the Shinabarger Family online at www.LooseCares.com.

Carolyn Jo (Baker) Shinabarger

August 26, 1936 - February 19, 2023