Carolyn Jean Shell

Carolyn Jean Shell, age 87, of Fairfield Township, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday September 25, 2026.

Carolyn was born on April 27, 1939, in Hamilton, Ohio; the daughter of the late Walter and Ella Ruth Klock (Frost) and stepdaughter of Eleanor Klock (Thompson).

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 33 years, Ran Eldon Shell, brothers Frank and Bill Klock and her aunt and best friend, Maryanne Newton. Carolyn and Ran were married on June 9, 1962, and their marriage was a testament to their enduring love and devotion to one another.

Carolyn loved her family dearly and especially cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid lover of all sports and could often be found in the stands, on the sidelines, or sitting in front of the TV, cheering on her children, grandchildren or favorite teams.

Carolyn was a long-time employee of Kroger, where she worked for 40 years. She truly enjoyed the friendships she made with her coworkers and, especially, the many customers she came to know throughout the years. She remained with Kroger until the age of 86, she just wasn’t sure how Kroger and her customers could survive if she retired- so she didn’t.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters Tereasa (Jerry) Anderson, Monica (Jeff) Sizemore; her son Greg (Tina) Shell; grandchildren Emily Anderson, Dylan (Connor) Anderson, Dakota (Hallie) Sizemore; great-grandchildren Memphis, Cameron, Josie and Crew; and many beloved extended family members and friends.

A special thank-you goes to her granddaughter, Emily Anderson and Marco Hunter, for lovingly caring for Emily’s granny over the past several months. The family is also deeply grateful to Hospice of Cincinnati for the compassionate care and support they provided to Carolyn and her family during this time.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday October 6 at 1:00PM at Rose Hill Burial Park, 2421 Princeton Rd, Hamilton, Ohio 45011. Family and friends attending the service are asked to meet in the parking lot at the cemetery office for a procession to the graveside.

A Celebration of Life will follow the graveside service from 2:00-4:00 PM at Berd’s in Fairfield, 500 Wessel Dr, Fairfield, Ohio 45014.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Carolyn’s memory.

Carolyn will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.