Carol Jean (Starnes) Shafer was born on January 26th, 1933 to Ina G. and Ernest R. Starnes at their home six miles southeast of Wray, Colorado.
She attended the Glendale school near Vernon, Colorado through the 5th grade, the 6th -12th grades were in the Wray School System. She graduated from Wray High School in 1951. Carol received her Registered Nurses Degree from the St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Denver.
She married her high school crush, Stanley Eugene Shafer on April 3rd, 1955. They began their married life in San Clemente, California where Stanley was stationed in the US Marine Corps. Following Stan’s discharge from the military they returned home to Wray. Carol began her nursing career at the Wray Community Hospital and the two started farming and ranching. In 1956, they moved to their present home south of Laird. Carol left the hospital to raise three daughters, Cynthia Jo, Kathleen Ann and Terri Jean. Carol then served as the Yuma County Public Health Nurse for the NE Colorado Public Health Department. Her career with the health department spanned 37 years. She retired at age 70.
Carol loved serving the community and spoke often of how she especially loved the babies. She delighted in visiting with her clients for the rest of her life.
After retirement she spent as much time as possible spoiling her four grandsons and great-grandchildren. Carol especially enjoyed working with children and babies, helping with the Baby Bear Hugs organization in Yuma County. Stanley lovingly says that “Carol kissed every baby in Yuma County for 37 years, and even after retirement ones that we saw around town!”. Carol was surrounded by Stan and three daughters when she peacefully went home to be with her parents and many loved ones. Carol passed away at the CU Medical Center in Denver on Wednesday, March 11th of 2020.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Ina G. and Ernest Ray Starnes; in-laws, Gladys and Samuel Shafer; brother, Don Starnes; son-in-law, Lyn E. Wiley.
Carol was survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Stanley E. Shafer, Laird, CO; daughters, Cindy Wiley, St. Francis, KS; Kathy Goodell, Gering, NE; Terri and husband, Rodney Walzel, Conroe, TX; grandsons, Dustin and wife, Randi Wiley of Bird City, KS; Darin Wiley and girlfriend, Taylor Armstrong of College Station, TX; Landon and wife, Tiffany Goodell of Hollywood, MD; Austin Goodell and fiancé, Hali of Newnan, GA; great-granddaughter, Alexis Goodell of Hollywood, MD; great-grandson, Weston Wiley of Bird City, KS; sister, Margaret and husband, Bill Rose of San Clemente, CA; brother, Robert D. and wife, Carol Ann Starnes of Branson, MO; sister-in-law, Shirley Starnes of Yuma, CO; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and great friends.
A Viewing/Visitation was held on Monday, March 16, 2020 at the Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Funeral services was held Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at the Wray United Methodist Church in Wray, Colorado with Pastor Ben Wentworth officiating. Interment will be held in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado after services.
Memorials may be made to Baby Bear Hugs, Cardiac Rehab ~ Wray Community District Hospital, and Alzheimer’s Association.
Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
2020-03-19